murphyEthylhexyl Salicylate
AKA: 2-ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, Octisalate, 118-60-5, 2-Ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, Benzoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Escalol, Salicylic Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Ester, Octisalato
Synthetic
Sunscreen Filter
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, both petroleum-derived chemical compounds. Produced through esterification reaction combining salicylic acid with 2-ethylhexanol under catalytic conditions.
Also known as Ethylhexyl Salicylate. Octyl salicylate is an oil soluble chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB radiation. It does not protect against UVA. Octyl salicylate is used to augment the UVB protection in a sunscreen. Salicylates are weak UVB absorbers and they are generally used in combination with other UV filters. Octyl salicylate appears to have a good safety profile. It covers wavelength in the range 295-315 nm, peak at 307-310 nm. It is an ester of salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. The salicylate portion of the molecule absorbs ultraviolet light to protect skin from the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight, while the ethylhexanol portion functions as an emollient.
Formula
C15H22O3
Mol. Weight
250.33
CAS #
118-60-5
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Sun Damage
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Light Stabilizer
Uv Absorber
Blocks or absorbs UV rays to protect your skin from sun damage, dark spots, and premature aging.
Uv Filter
Blocks or absorbs UV rays to protect your skin from sun damage, dark spots, and premature aging.
Shields from UV damage
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Lab (in vitro) test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 766)
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 302)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 302 and 766)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
4 studies / 2 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 302 and 766)
Dermal Absorption 0.59–0.65%
2 lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 766)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0003–5.1%
Rinse-off0.001–0.21%
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 5%
CIR reported use · 2018 survey
FDA OTC limit (Sunscreen): 5%. 21 CFR 352.10
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR