Octinoxate is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, personal care, and skincare formulations. Depending on its function, it may serve as a moisturizer, preservative, emulsifier, or active ingredient to enhance the overall effectiveness and performance of a product.
Octyl methoxycinnamate or ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (INCI) or octinoxate (USAN), trade names Eusolex 2292 and Uvinul MC80, is an organic compound that is an ingredient in some sunscreens and lip balms. It is an ester formed from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is a liquid that is insoluble in water.
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Names | |
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IUPAC name
(RS)-2-Ethylhexyl (2E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate
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Other names
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
Octinoxate Uvinul MC80 (E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) prop-2-enoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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ChemSpider | |
DrugBank | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.157.824 |
EC Number |
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KEGG | |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C18H26O3 | |
Molar mass | 290.403 g·mol−1 |
Density | 1.01 g/cm3 |
Melting point | −25 °C (−13 °F; 248 K) |
Boiling point | 198 to 200 °C (388 to 392 °F; 471 to 473 K) |
Pharmacology | |
D02BA02 (WHO) | |
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Hazards | |
GHS labelling:[1] | |
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Warning | |
H315, H319, H335, H411 | |
P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P273, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, P501 | |
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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It is primarily used in sunscreens and other cosmetics to absorb UV-B rays from the sun, protecting the skin from damage. It is also used to reduce the appearance of scars.