Octyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) is a widely used organic UVB filter that absorbs ultraviolet radiation to protect skin from sunburn and photodamage. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily-care products with SPF claims.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or redness, especially on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-testing as a contact allergen, though sensitization is infrequent. |
Photoallergic/photocontact dermatitis | Rare | Reaction triggered by combined exposure to the ingredient and sunlight. |
Potential endocrine activity | Very rare | Weak estrogenic effects observed in laboratory and animal studies; clinical relevance at typical use levels is uncertain. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.