Good UV Filter / Sunscreen

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

INCI: ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE

CAS Number
118-60-5
Function
UVB filter; avobenzone photostabilizer; sunscreen active
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
EU Max Conc. 5%
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes OTC sunscreen drug active under FDA monograph; also used as photostabilizer for avobenzone; FDA evaluating under CARES Act alongside other organic UV filters

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Dual-function UVB filter and avobenzone photostabilizer widely used in sunscreen formulations that works by absorbing UV energy to prevent avobenzone degradation. Currently permitted globally with no specific new restrictions as of 2025-2026, though EU SCCS is reviewing potential endocrine activity as part of a broader assessment of organic UV filters.

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

sunscreen uvb-filter photostabilizer avobenzone-stabilizer endocrine-review otc-drug-us sccs-review men-s-sports ifra_fragrance eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ethylhexyl Salicylate safe in cosmetics?

Dual-function UVB filter and avobenzone photostabilizer widely used in sunscreen formulations that works by absorbing UV energy to prevent avobenzone degradation. Currently permitted globally with no specific new restrictions as of 2025-2026, though EU SCCS is reviewing potential endocrine activity as part of a broader assessment of organic UV filters. The EU classifies Ethylhexyl Salicylate as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Ethylhexyl Salicylate allowed in the EU?

Ethylhexyl Salicylate EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 5%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Ethylhexyl Salicylate do in cosmetics?

Ethylhexyl Salicylate functions as: UVB filter; avobenzone photostabilizer; sunscreen active. It is classified as a UV Filter / Sunscreen in our database. CAS number: 118-60-5.

What is the Margin of Safety for Ethylhexyl Salicylate?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Compliance Tools

Check Ethylhexyl Salicylate compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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