The Index · UV filter

Octinoxate

Octinoxate is a UV filter used in sunscreen Drug Facts formulas.

ModerateRecognised sunscreen filter under US OTC monograph or equivalent regional rules; product-level SPF testing is separate.

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated5 Oct 2026

Sources2 cited

Octinoxate is a UV filter used in sunscreen Drug Facts formulas.

What it does

Absorbs or scatters UV as part of a finished sunscreen formula. Labelled concentration and Drug Facts rules apply in the US.

The evidence

Evidence grade moderate: Recognised sunscreen filter under US OTC monograph or equivalent regional rules; product-level SPF testing is separate. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].

How to use it

Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labelled as a featured active.

Evidence by claim

Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim

Octinoxate is a UV filter used in sunscreen Drug Facts formulas.[1]

Moderate

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment. CIR (2010)regulator
[2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Octinoxate. SpecialChem (2024)other

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk