Octocrylene
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Ultraviolet filter
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreen
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OCTOCRYLENE?
Octocrylene can be used independently or in conjunction with other sunscreens to prevent ultraviolet damage. Although it has activity mostly against UVB light, it can work in synergy by stabilizing avobenzone, a UVA filter, to promote broad-spectrum protection.
WHAT IS OCTOCRYLENE?
Octocrylene is a conjugated, photostable clear oil used in commercial sunscreens with absorption of UVB and some UVA rays from 280 nm to 320 nm. It is usually used in concentrations up to 10% to for sun protection. Although poorly biodegradable, it has found to not be harmful to most aquatic organisms.
IS OCTOCRYLENE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Octocrylene is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. However, there are reports of potential adverse effects of the endocrine system and allergic or photoallergic reactions.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Initial studies on octocrylene with in vivo sensitization studies demonstrated minimal photoallergic response, primarily in patients with a prior response to topical ketoprofen. However, it has since had increasing numbers of reports of allergic potential. It has also been reported to disrupt normal vitamin D synthesis. Therefore, patients with significant allergic responses or vitamin D deficiency may need to use caution if using products containing octocrylene.
Sources:
Abdi SAH, Ali A, Sayed SF, et al. Sunscreen Ingredient Octocrylene’s Potency to Disrupt Vitamin D Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(17):10154. Published 2022 Sep 5.
Duis K, Junker T, Coors A. Review of the environmental fate and effects of two UV filter substances used in cosmetic products. Sci Total Environ. 2022;808:151931.
Fidanzi C, Iannone M, Tonini G, Romanelli M, Dini V, Janowska A. An adult with allergic contact dermatitis from octocrylene in a sunscreen [published online ahead of print, 2022 Oct 31]. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2022;10.1111/phpp.12842.
Medici A, Saviano L, Siciliano A, et al. Octocrylene: From Sunscreens to the Degradation Pathway during Chlorination Processes: Formation of Byproducts and Their Ecotoxicity Assessment. Molecules. 2022;27(16):5286. Published 2022 Aug 19.
Pantelic MN, Wong N, Kwa M, Lim HW. Ultraviolet filters in the United States and European Union: A review of safety and implications for the future of US sunscreens. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;88(3):632-646.
