Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Octinoxate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate
A synthetic, organic sunscreen agent that primarily protects skin from UVB rays | Also known as Octinoxate and Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate?
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate is a sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays.
This sunscreen active is one of several currently undergoing further safety testing under the purview of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This testing is to gain a better understanding of the systemic absorption, metabolism, and elimination of these sunscreen actives when small amounts enter the body via topical use. It’s important to know that the presence of this or other sunscreen actives in the body does not mean your health is at risk. It is anticipated that the additional testing being done will reaffirm the safety of these ingredients; however, those who remain concerned can choose sunscreens with mineral actives (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) which are not included in the FDA’s new call for additional testing.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Journal of Cosmetic Science, May-June 2017, pages 177-187 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440544/]
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Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2012, pages 867-872 [https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(11)01007-6/fulltext]
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Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2011, pages 340-346 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00582.x]
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2005, pages 1-142 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10915810590945199]
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Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2004, pages 286-291 [https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/78060]
From the Clinic
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