A mild liquid UVB filter mainly used to dissolve other filters and smooth the feel of sunscreens.
What it is
Octisalate is an oily liquid that absorbs UVB, though only modestly. Its main job is keeping powdery filters such as avobenzone, DHHB and bemotrizinol dissolved, and giving a lighter, less tacky feel. It is often paired with homosalate in Australian chemical sunscreens.
Good for
UVB protectionSun protectionLightweight sun protection
How it works
Octisalate peaks around 305 nm, with low absorbance compared with newer filters. As a liquid ester it keeps crystalline filters dissolved, which stops crystals forming in storage.
Ratings
Evidence
4/5
Long use, and its modest SPF contribution is well established.
Gentleness
4/5
Low irritation and rare allergy, with some measured absorption.
Formulation difficulty
1/5
Easy liquid oil-phase filter and solvent.
Cost
1/5
Inexpensive commodity filter.
Popularity
3/5
Common in Australian chemical sunscreens, often with homosalate.
Pairs and cautions
Pairs well with
In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.
Permitted up to 5% in ARTG-listed sunscreens, labelled under the approved name octyl salicylate. It was not among the seven filters in the TGA's 2025 safety review.
European Union
Annex VI also allows 5%, under the INCI name Ethylhexyl Salicylate, so Australian formulas using it meet the EU limit.
United States
Permitted up to 5% as octisalate, but it is one of 12 filters the FDA says need more safety data, and studies found blood levels above the FDA's 0.5 ng/mL threshold.
Japan
Japan's cosmetic UV-filter list allows up to 10%, double the Australian, EU and US maximum, or 5% in lip and other mucous-membrane products.
In the lab
Specifications
Typical use level
3–5%0525%
pH window
pH 5–7.52 acid7 neutral10 alkaline
Solubility
Oil-soluble
Sensitive to
High pH
3–5% adds modest UVB cover and helps dissolve crystalline filters such as avobenzone, often alongside homosalate or octocrylene.
Oil phase. As a liquid ester it dissolves about 30% DHHB at 25 °C (BASF).
Stability
Rebalance solvency for avobenzone and other powder filters if it is removed. It is photostable.
Regulatory, Australia
Permitted sunscreen active, maximum 5%, with octyl salicylate as the Australian Approved Name (Permissible Ingredients Determination No. 3 2026), and not one of the seven filters in the TGA's 2025 priority review. Primary sunscreens and moisturisers advertised above SPF 15 are therapeutic goods, ARTG-listed (AUST L), tested to AS/NZS 2604 and labelled with approved names and set warnings.
Claims to take care with
Use only TGA-permitted indications, such as 'SPF 50+ broad spectrum very high protection', and skin-cancer, sunspot or solar keratosis claims need broad spectrum SPF 30 or more. Its contribution shows in the tested SPF, so do not market it as a skin benefit.
