One of the oldest sunscreen actives. The EU’s usage level for octinoxate in sunscreens is higher than what is permitted in the United States (7.5% in the US vs. 10% in the EU). Its primary use is in sunscreens and other cosmetics to absorb UVB rays from the sun, protecting the skin from damage. It is also used to reduce the appearance of scars.
Avobenzone and Octinoxate: Can they exist in the same formula?
- Avobenzone degrades Octinoxate (not the other way around).
- Octocrylene stabilizes Avobenzone when used at an 80% ratio or so. (1 part Avo to .8 parts Octo)
Once Avobenzone is stabilized by Octocrylene then it will not degrade the Octinoxate and all three can coexist. If there’s Avobenzone, look for Octocrylene. If there’s no Octocrylene, then don’t buy this product. If it is there, then you check for the ratio and if okay, the formula will be okay even if Octinoxate is included. – Source
See also:
- Amiloxate, a chemically related sunscreen agent
- Cinoxate, another cinnamic acid based sunscreen ingredient
