Names | |
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IUPAC name
2-ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
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Other names
octisalate; 2-ethylhexyl salicylate; ethyl hexyl salicylate; 2-ethylhexyl ester salicylic acid; salicylic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester; benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-ethylhexyl ester; 2-ethylhexyl ester benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-; 2-hydroxy- 2-ethylhexyl ester benzoic acid;
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Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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ChEMBL | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.877 |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C15H22O3 | |
Molar mass | 250.33 g/mol |
Density | 1.014 g/cm3 |
Melting point | < 25 °C (77 °F; 298 K) |
Boiling point | 189 °C (372 °F; 462 K) |
Hazards | |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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2-Ethylhexyl salicylate, or octyl salicylate, is an organic compound used as an ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics to absorb UVB (ultraviolet) rays from the sun.[1] It is an ester formed by the condensation of salicylic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. It is a colorless oily liquid with a slight floral odor.
The salicylate portion of the molecule absorbs ultraviolet light, protecting skin from the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight. The ethylhexanol portion is a fatty alcohol, adding emollient and oil-like (water resistant) properties.
Octisalate and all other salicylates have a good safety profile.[2] It is often used to improve affinity and reduce photodegradation of other sunscreen ingredients (such as oxybenzone and avobenzone), and <1% of the applied dose of Octisalate penetrates through the skin. Although Octisalate is a weaker UVB absorber it has superior stability than some other sunscreen active ingredients[3] and does not produce reactive oxygen species when exposed to sunlight. However, it does have some minor sensitization potential; with some individuals experiencing minimal to mild skin irritation.[4]