Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Ethylhexyl Salicylate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
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
Chemical Exfoliant
Not Clean
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
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
Traditional Use
Created in the 20th century as a synthetic UV filter inspired by salicylic acid's properties. Designed to provide sun protection while maintaining cosmetic elegance in sunscreen formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
5.0%
0%7%
Reg. Limit
FDA OTC limit (Sunscreen): 5%. 21 CFR 352.10
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU✔ permitted
JAPAN✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Sun Damage
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR