Octinoxate

Octinoxate, also called Octyl methoxycinnamate or (OMC), is a UV filter. It can be absorbed rapidly through skin.

Octinoxate has been detected in human urine, blood and breast milk, which indicates that humans are systemically exposed to this compound. ^[1],[2] Octinoxate is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can disrupt thyroid function.

WHAT IS OCTINOXATE?

Octinoxate filters UV‐B rays from the sun. It does not protect against UV-A rays. Octinoxate dissolves in oil, which makes it a fat-seeking substance in the body. It is formed by combining methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol- compounds which are not harmful on their own. When mixed together, they form a clear liquid that does not dissolve in water. It is found in hair color products and shampoos, sunscreen, lipstick, nail polish, and skin creams. ^[5] In products other than sunscreens, it is used as a UV filter to protect the products from degrading when exposed to the sun.

Found In

Hair color products and shampoos
Sunscreen
Lipstick
Nail polish
Skin creams

What to look for on the label

Octinoxate
Methoxycinnamate (OMC),
Parsol
Parsol MCX
Parsol MOX
Escalol
2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate

Health Concerns

Endocrine disruption: Octinoxate increases cell proliferation in cells that grow in response to estrogen exposure. ^[2],[6]^,[7] Lifetime estrogen exposure is an established risk factor in the development and progression of breast cancer. Octinoxate affects other hormone systems as well. For instance, it reduces thyroid hormones in blood serum. ^[8] Thyroid hormones are critical for metabolic functions in the body including mammary gland development. Octinoxate exposure has also been found to alter the reproductive systems of female offspring, with significantly lowered hormone (estradiol and progesterone) levels, ^[1] which is associated with infertility and miscarriages. In males, there is a reduction in sperm count at all dose levels. ^[1]

Reproductive organs and development toxicity: Numerous studies have reported that octinoxate exhibits antiandrogenic activity, which is linked to harmful effects on reproductive organ development in male and female fetuses exposed in utero. These effects can be further passed onto their offspring. Moreover, octinoxate alters the weight and structure of reproductive organs in male and female rats.^[9]

Vulnerable Populations

Babies & Children, Pregnant Women, Teenagers, Women of Color

Regulations

Octinoxate is approved for use in cosmetics worldwide; the maximum concentration in ready-for-use preparations varies according to local legislation. ^[3] According to the U.S. FDA, the recommended use level is up to 7.5 percent. ^[4]

How to Avoid?

Despite the numerous studies and concerns about octinoxate toxicity and its effect on human body systems, octinoxate is approved worldwide. ^[3] In the United States, it is required to be listed on labels as an active ingredient. To avoid the product in sunscreen, read the list of active ingredients and skip products that rely on octinoxate. Check labels on hair care products, lipsticks nail polish and skin creams, and choose products that do not contain octinoxate or octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC).

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By Population

Babies & Children

Men

Pregnant Women

Women of Color

Workers

Teenagers

By Products

Anti-Aging

Body

Dental

Fragrance

Hair

Makeup

Nail

Skin Lighteners

Sunscreens

By Health Concerns

Allergens & Irritants

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Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity

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Environmental Concerns

Organ-System Toxicity

References

[1] Axelstad, M., Boberg, J., Hougaard, K. S., Christiansen, S., Jacobsen, P. R., Mandrup, K. R., … & Hass, U. (2011). Effects of pre-and postnatal exposure to the UV-filter Octyl Methoxycinnamate (OMC) on the reproductive, auditory and neurological development of rat offspring. Toxicology and applied pharmacology, 250(3), 278-290.

[2] Darbre, P. D. (2006). Environmental oestrogens, cosmetics and breast cancer. Best practice & research clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 20(1), 121-143.

[3] National Library of Medicine. Octinoxate. Available online: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Octinoxate. Accessed April 21, 2022.

[4] U.S Food and Drug Administration, “Principal display panel of all sunscreen drug products” Available online: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=352.50. Accessed April 21, 2022.

[5] Chemical Information, “Octyl methoxycinnamate”. National Library of Medicine. Household Products database [Online]. Available: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Octyl-methoxycinnamate. Accessed April 21, 2022.

[6] Schlumpf, M., Cotton, B., Conscience, M., Haller, V., Steinmann, B., & Lichtensteiger, W. (2001). In vitro and in vivo estrogenicity of UV screens. Environmental health perspectives,109(3), 239.

[7] Schlumpf, M., Schmid, P., Durrer, S., Conscience, M., Maerkel, K., Henseler, M., … & Lichtensteiger, W. (2004). Endocrine activity and developmental toxicity of cosmetic UV filters—an update. Toxicology, 205(1), 113-122.

[8] Boas, M., Feldt-Rasmussen, U., & Main, K. M. (2012). Thyroid effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 355(2), 240-248.

[9] Krause, M., Klit, A., Blomberg Jensen, M., Søeborg, T., Frederiksen, H., Schlumpf, M., … & Drzewiecki, K. T. (2012). Sunscreens: are they beneficial for health? An overview of endocrine disrupting properties of UV‐filters. International journal of andrology, 35(3), 424-436.