Spf

Octocrylene

Chemical UV filter with a broad spectrum of UVB and partial UVA-II protection. Known primarily as a stabilizer for avobenzone — without octocrylene, most chemical SPF formulas quickly lose effectiveness in the sun.

UVB filterStabilizer for avobenzoneBroad spectrumChemical SPF

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Octocrylene (2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate) — a synthetic fat-soluble UV filter. Molecular weight ~361 Da. Colorless viscous oil. Broad absorption spectrum: UVB (280–320 nm) + partially UVA-II (320–340 nm), peak ~303 nm. Allowed: EU up to 10%, USA up to 10%, most countries. Photostable: does not degrade under UV, instead — can absorb photoenergy that would degrade unstable avobenzone (BMDM), protecting it from degradation. Viscosity makes it a useful textural agent in SPF formulas.

Sunscreens with chemical filters (avobenzone + octocrylene — a classic pair), broad spectrum SPF bases and day creams, water-resistant SPF products for body and sports.

Key Benefits

✦

Stabilization of avobenzone — a key role in SPF formulas

Avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) — the most effective available UVA-I filter, but photounstable: degrades under UVB radiation within a few hours. Octocrylene solves this problem: absorbs photoenergy that would lead to degradation of avobenzone, effectively acting as a 'sacrificial' UV absorber. Without octocrylene, SPF formulas with avobenzone lose up to 50% UVA protection in 2 hours. The combination of avobenzone + octocrylene is the gold standard for chemical broad-spectrum SPF.

◈

Additional UVB protection and SPF enhancement

Octocrylene itself is an effective UVB filter — at concentrations of 5–10% provides SPF 6–10. In combination with other filters (octisalate, homosalate, octinoxate): synergistically increases overall SPF. Widely used in sports and water-resistant SPF products due to fat solubility and resistance to washing off with water.

✧

Improvement of texture and water resistance of SPF

The viscous oil-like consistency of octocrylene improves the resistance of the SPF film to washing off with water and sweat — hence it is a standard component in water-resistant and sport SPF. Additionally: octocrylene enhances the "payoff" and even distribution of the SPF formula on the skin. In BB/CC creams with SPF — improves glide when applied with a brush.

Suitable for

All skin typeswater-resistant SPFOutdoor and sports products

Main Actions

✓ UVB filter (280–340 nm)✓ Photostabilizer for avobenzone✓ Water resistance of SPF

Octocrylene and allergy — what is known

Octocrylene can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people — more often in those already sensitized to ketoprofen (NSAID). Molecular similarity between octocrylene and ketoprofen → cross-reactivity. If you react to ketoprofen gel — avoid octocrylene. For the general population: safe at permitted concentrations, SCCS (EU) confirmed safety up to 10%.

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