Octocrylene

Organic UV Filter (UVBshort UVA)

Also known as: 2-Ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, 2-Ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl-2-propenoate

Description

Octocrylene is a cyanoacrylate-based UV absorber that provides protection across the UVB and short UVA range (290–360 nm), with peak absorption around 303 nm. Approved by the FDA at up to 10%, it serves a dual role in sunscreen formulations: as a direct UV absorber and, critically, as a photostabilizer for avobenzone. Octocrylene quenches the excited triplet state of avobenzone, preventing its photodegradation and maintaining broad-spectrum UVA protection. It has a favorable safety profile, though concerns have been raised about its degradation product benzophenone, a potential endocrine disruptor and photoallergen, which may accumulate in aged formulations. [Burnett 2011]

Mechanism of Action

Octocrylene absorbs UV radiation through its 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate chromophore, dissipating absorbed energy as heat via vibrational relaxation. As a photostabilizer, it acts as a triplet-state quencher for avobenzone — it accepts energy from the excited triplet state of avobenzone's diketo form via triplet–triplet energy transfer, preventing the irreversible photolysis that would otherwise destroy avobenzone's UVA-absorbing capacity. Octocrylene itself is highly photostable due to the rigidity of its acrylate backbone, making it an ideal stabilizing partner in broad-spectrum formulations. [Shaath 2010]

Indications

  • UVB and short UVA photoprotection [Burnett]
  • Photostabilization of avobenzone-containing formulations [Burnett]
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen formulations
  • SPF boosting

Available Concentrations

5%10% (FDA maximum)

Side Effects

  • Contact dermatitis (uncommon) [Burnett]
  • Photoallergic contact dermatitis (rare, more common in children) [Matta]
  • Potential benzophenone accumulation in aged products
  • Mild irritation in sensitive skin

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to octocrylene or acrylate compounds
  • History of photoallergic contact dermatitis to octocrylene

Pregnancy Category

Not formally classified (topical use generally considered low risk)

Found In

Cosmetics containing Octocrylene

Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++AqualogicaBioderma Photoderm Aquafluide SPF 50+ PA++++BiodermaBioderma Photoderm MAX Cream SPF 50+ UVA38BiodermaBioderma Photoderm Spot-Age SPF 50+ PA++++BiodermaJoy Revivify Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Joy Revivify (RSH Global)La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluid SPF 50+La Roche-PosayLakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 50 PA+++ Gel SunscreenLakmé (Hindustan Unilever)Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50 PA+++Lotus HerbalsMinimalist Cream Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++MinimalistNeutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ PA+++Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson)Pilgrim Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++PilgrimRE'EQUIL Oxybenzone and OMC Free Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++RE'EQUIL

Related Conditions

Photoaging UV filter and photostabilizer — absorbs UVB/short UVA and stabilizes avobenzone for sustained broad-spectrum protection against photodamage

References

  1. Burnett ME, Wang SQ. "Current sunscreen controversies: a critical review." Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed, 2011. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0781.2011.00557.x
  2. Matta MK, Zusterzeel R, Pilli NR, et al. "Effect of sunscreen application under maximal use conditions on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients." JAMA, 2019. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.5586
  3. Shaath NA. "Ultraviolet filters." Photochem Photobiol Sci, 2010. doi:10.1039/b9pp00174c

Limitations

This page provides a general overview of Octocrylene in dermatology. It does not cover every possible use, formulation, or interaction. Individual responses to compounds vary — what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting or changing any treatment.