Oc
Octisalate
Ethylhexyl SalicylateSPF filter
UVB chemical sunscreen filter. Common booster paired with avobenzone to stabilize the UVA filter.
What it does
Octisalate is a UVB filter that absorbs short-wavelength UV. By itself it's not a high-SPF performer; in formulations it's most often a co-filter that stabilizes avobenzone (which photodegrades on its own). Generally well tolerated, low irritation profile. Approved in the US, EU, AU, and JP markets at typical sunscreen concentrations.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusSunscreen must be the final AM step. Applying products on top of sunscreen disrupts the protective film and can compromise the labeled SPF.Petersen 2014 · Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine ↗
expert consensusSPF protection degrades under UV exposure. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours during continuous sun exposure to maintain rated protection — and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.Petersen 2014 · Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine ↗
expert consensusSunscreen should sit as a film on top of moisturizer, not be mixed into it. Diluting sunscreen with moisturizer in your hand reduces filter concentration and the labeled SPF no longer applies.Petersen 2014 · Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
ethylhexyl salicylate
Pairs worth knowing
This page is public and indexed on purpose (unlike profiles and drops, which are unlisted) — it’s the citation behind shared ingredient cards, and it should be findable.
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