Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
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Safety Opinions
Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
otential endocrine disrupting properties of EHMC, the SCCS is of the opinion that EHMC is safe when used as a UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 10% in sunscreen lotion, face and hand cream, lipstick, sunscreen propellant spray and pump spray, when used separately or in combination.
otential endocrine disrupting properties of EHMC, the SCCS is of the opinion that EHMC is safe when used as a UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 10% in sunscreen lotion, face and hand cream, lipstick, sunscreen propellant spray and pump spray, when used separately or in combination.
otential endocrine disrupting properties of EHMC, the SCCS is of the opinion that EHMC is safe when used as a UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 10% in sunscreen lotion, face and hand cream, lipstick, sunscreen propellant spray and pump spray, when used separately or in combination.
otential endocrine disrupting properties of EHMC, the SCCS is of the opinion that EHMC is safe when used as a UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 10% in sunscreen lotion, face and hand cream, lipstick, sunscreen propellant spray and pump spray, when used separately or in combination.
otential endocrine disrupting properties of EHMC, the SCCS is of the opinion that EHMC is safe when used as a UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 10% in sunscreen lotion, face and hand cream, lipstick, sunscreen propellant spray and pump spray, when used separately or in combination.
Expert Verdict
One of the most globally used UVB filters; SCCS 2025 confirmed safety at ≤10% including for children with 1-2% dermal absorption and high margin of safety despite confirmed endocrine-disrupting and anti-androgenic properties. US remains in regulatory limbo; banned in Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Palau, and 20+ coastal jurisdictions for coral reef toxicity. Photounstable trans-to-cis isomerization reduces SPF and generates potential sensitizers over time. EU-permitted but formulators face growing substitution pressure from reef-ban expansion and endocrine concerns.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Octinoxate safe in cosmetics?
One of the most globally used UVB filters; SCCS 2025 confirmed safety at ≤10% including for children with 1-2% dermal absorption and high margin of safety despite confirmed endocrine-disrupting and anti-androgenic properties. US remains in regulatory limbo; banned in Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Palau, and 20+ coastal jurisdictions for coral reef toxicity. Photounstable trans-to-cis isomerization reduces SPF and generates potential sensitizers over time. EU-permitted but formulators face growing substitution pressure from reef-ban expansion and endocrine concerns. The EU classifies Octinoxate as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. This ingredient has been reviewed by sccs.
Is Octinoxate allowed in the EU?
Octinoxate EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 10%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Octinoxate do in cosmetics?
Octinoxate functions as: Oil-soluble UVB UV filter; peak absorption ~311 nm; undergoes trans-to-cis photoisomerization under UV exposure causing progressive SPF loss. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 5466-77-3.
What is the Margin of Safety for Octinoxate?
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
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Related Ingredients
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