Octocrylene is a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens and antiaging creams. It protects the skin from UV rays, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer.
Manufacturers around the world use octocrylene as an additive ingredient in skin care and cosmetic products. It can help protect the skin from UV radiation and also has emollient properties.
However, the ingredient may cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, and some studies have shown that it can harm marine life such as corals.
This article discusses octocrylene in more detail, including its benefits and potential side effects. Wen Jing also discusses the impact of octocrylene on the environment and how to use octocrylene sunscreen.
Octocrylene is an oil-soluble liquid, which means it dissolves in oil. It is also an organic compound, which means it contains
There are carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Many companies add it to skin care products because it absorbs the sun's harmful UV rays and helps prevent skin damage.
It's a thick, colorless ingredient that manufacturers add to a variety of cosmetic products, such as sunscreens, lip balms, cosmetic hair conditioners, and anti-aging creams.
The benefits of octocrylene
Manufacturers include octocrylene in their skin products because it reportedly offers a range of skin benefits
Absorbs UVA and UVB rays
Unlike many other sunscreen ingredients, octocrylene protects the skin from short-wave UVA and long-wave UVB rays
Learn more about the risks of UV exposure.
prevent skin aging
UVA rays comprise 95%" of the sun's rays that reach the ground. Octocrylene helps prevent premature skin aging and signs of sun damage, such as stretch marks and age spots. This is due to its ability to absorb UVA rays.
Helps Prevent Skin Cancer
Octocrylene may help prevent skin cancer because of its ability to absorb UV radiation. Besides sunburn, UVB rays are responsible for most skin cancers, while UVA rays also contribute to the development of some cancers.
Maintain light fastness
Octocrylene is photostable, meaning its SPF remains stable after exposure. This attribute makes it popular among cosmetic manufacturers.
Boosts the effectiveness of other sunscreen ingredients
The sun protection provided by octocrylene at safe levels is more effective when combined with other ingredients. In sunscreens, it works with "other powerful but photolabile UV filters, such as avobenzone, to provide higher SPF while maintaining stability.
Has skin moisturizing effect
Octocrvlene also has emollient properties. Emollients coat the top layer of the skin with a thin layer of moisture to lock in moisture. A person may notice that their skin feels softer and moisturized after using an emollient.
Improve the water resistance of the product
Octocrylene is hydrophobic, which means it won't mix or dissolve in water. Therefore, it can help increase the water resistance of sunscreen formulations.
Potential side effects of octocrylene
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluated the safety of octocrylene for use in sunscreen products and found it safe at concentrations up to 10%.
The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) also stated that octocrylene is safe in products in concentrations not exceeding 10%.
A2019 review. found numerous reports of octocrylene-induced photo contact hypersensitivity in adults who had previously used topical products of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen.
The review also discusses earlier studies that found that octocrylene affects estrogen levels in the body and has endocrine disrupting properties. , however, it concluded that current evidence does not suggest any endocrine-disrupting potential for the ingredient.
The author of the 2016 study also shared this conclusion. However, it is important to note that these findings come from animal studies
A 2021 study reported an increase in benzophenone levels in sunscreens containing octocrylene over time, raising concerns about the ingredient's safety. Benzophenones are a potential carcinogen and known endocrine disruptor.
With this in mind, the researchers concluded that further studies of this association between benzophenone and octocrylene are warranted
Some people are concerned about the body's ability to absorb octocrylene, which may be present in dried blood, urine, and breast milk. It may lower the production of free radicals, which damage DNA, potentially increasing the risk of melanoma. However, further investigation is necessary.
Everyone can have skin allergies or people with skin diseases such as mixed rashes may prefer to avoid using products containing octocrylene, or to apply patches before using products containing octocrylene for the first time test. Patch testing should indicate whether an individual is allergic or sensitive to ingredients in the product
