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Ingredient dossier · No. 013

Octocrylene

Also: 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate · 2-ethylhexyl (2E)-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate


Avoiddegrades into benzophenone over time, raising both endocrine and carcinogenicity concerns.


01 · Hormonal impact

Testosterone & hormonal load

Evidence
ModerateAnimal studies with mechanistic evidence

Octocrylene itself has modest estrogenic activity in vitro, but the bigger concern is its degradation product: benzophenone, which IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) and which is a known endocrine disruptor. Octocrylene accumulates in products over shelf life, meaning that older sunscreens may contain significant benzophenone levels. Studies have found benzophenone contamination in sunscreen and lip balm products on store shelves.


02 · Where it appears

Found in.

01Chemical sunscreen
02SPF moisturizers
03Sunscreen sprays
04After-sun products

03 · The regulators

Two jurisdictions, two different verdicts.

European Union

Permitted at up to 9% in sunscreens. Under SCCS review; EU consumer groups have flagged benzophenone degradation.

United States · FDA

Classified as 'not GRASE' in the 2021 proposed sunscreen monograph update pending additional safety data.


04 · Sources

The receipts.

  1. [01]
  2. [02]
    FDA — OTC sunscreen proposed order Q&A
    www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-posts-deemed-final-order-and-proposed-order-over-counter-sunscreen

05 · Related dossiers
01Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)D · 1502Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)D · 2503HomosalateD · 22
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