Is octocrylene safe in sunscreen?

The EU safety committee (SCCS) concluded that octocrylene is safe at current approved use concentrations as a UV filter. Contact allergy to it is rare, though documented in sensitive individuals.

Does octocrylene break down into harmful chemicals?

Octocrylene can degrade in older or improperly stored products and may form small amounts of benzophenone, a chemical with lower safety margins. Using fresh sunscreen and storing it properly limits this risk.

uv-filter

Octocrylene

Watch if sensitive·Moderate evidence

An organic UV-B filter that also stabilizes other sunscreen actives like avobenzone. The EU SCCS reviewed it and concluded it is safe at current use levels, though rare contact allergy has been reported and older, degraded product may form small amounts of benzophenone.

Worth knowing

Known contact sensitizer for some
Restricted in the EU

EU sets a maximum use concentration for octocrylene as a UV filter under Annex VI of the cosmetics regulation.

Questions

Is octocrylene safe in sunscreen?: The EU safety committee (SCCS) concluded that octocrylene is safe at current approved use concentrations as a UV filter. Contact allergy to it is rare, though documented in sensitive individuals.
Does octocrylene break down into harmful chemicals?: Octocrylene can degrade in older or improperly stored products and may form small amounts of benzophenone, a chemical with lower safety margins. Using fresh sunscreen and storing it properly limits this risk.

Products with Octocrylene

In our guides

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.