A photostable liquid UVB filter that stabilises avobenzone, now often left out over benzophenone and allergy concerns.
What it is
Octocrylene is an oily liquid that absorbs UVB and some short UVA, and helps keep avobenzone stable in sunlight. It also dissolves powdery filters and supports water resistance.
Good for
UVB protectionBroad spectrum protectionWater-resistant sun protection
How it works
Octocrylene peaks around 303 nm and stays stable under light. It can take excess energy from excited avobenzone molecules, which slows avobenzone's breakdown.
Ratings
Evidence
4/5
Long track record, and Australia's 2025 review found it low risk.
Gentleness
3/5
A recognised but uncommon cause of contact allergy.
Formulation difficulty
2/5
Easy liquid oil-phase filter that needs benzophenone checks.
Cost
2/5
Inexpensive commodity filter.
Popularity
3/5
Still widespread, but octocrylene-free briefs are growing.
Pairs and cautions
Pairs well with
In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.
Permitted up to 10% and found low risk in the TGA's 2025 review, but benzophenone, its impurity and breakdown product, is under a separate Poisons Standard review.
European Union
Annex VI allows 10%, or 9% in propellant sprays, with benzophenone kept to trace levels. A French REACH proposal backed by ECHA's committees in 2026 would bar it from cosmetics.
United States
Permitted up to 10% under the FDA monograph, but it is one of 12 filters the FDA says need more safety data before it can confirm them as GRASE.
Climate
Benzophenone builds up as products age: in a 2021 study it nearly doubled after six weeks of accelerated ageing, so avoid hot storage and track it in stability testing.
In the lab
Specifications
Typical use level
5–10%0525%
pH window
pH 5–7.52 acid7 neutral10 alkaline
Solubility
Oil-soluble
Sensitive to
High pH
5–10% adds UVB cover. Lower levels are common when its main job is stabilising avobenzone, and it helps dissolve crystalline filters.
INCI
Octocrylene
Also known as
Parsol 340 (dsm-firmenich), Uvinul N 539 T (former BASF grade), OCR
Origin
synthetic
Lab notes
Solubility and phase
Oil phase. A liquid that blends straight into the oils.
Stability
Set a benzophenone limit for the raw material and test aged batches, since benzophenone can rise as products age.
Regulatory, Australia
Permitted sunscreen active, maximum 10% (Permissible Ingredients Determination No. 3 2026), found low risk in the TGA's 2025 review, while its impurity and breakdown product benzophenone is under separate scheduling review. Primary sunscreens and moisturisers above SPF 15 are therapeutic goods, generally 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. 'Octocrylene-free' is a fair content claim if true, but should not imply other sunscreens are unsafe.
