Octyl methoxycinnamate

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Octyl methoxycinnamate[1]
IUPAC name (E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) prop-2-enoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester
Other names Octyl methoxycinnamate
Octinoxate
Tinosorb OMC
Identifiers
CAS number [5466-77-3]
PubChem 5355130
SMILES CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)C=CC1=CC=C(C=C1)OC
Properties
Molecular formula C18H26O3
Molar mass 290.397
Density 1.01 g/cm3
Melting point

-25 °C
Boiling point

198-200 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Octyl methoxycinnamate (INCI), or octinoxate (USAN), 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 clear liquid that is insoluble in water.

Its primary use is in suncreens and other cosmetics to absorb UV-B rays from the sun, protecting the skin from damage.

[edit] Safety studies

One study performed in 2000 raised safety concerns about octyl methoxycinnamate by demonstating toxicity to mouse cells at concentrations lower than typical levels in sunscreens.[2] However, a more recent study concluded that octyl methoxycinnamate and other sunscreening agents do not penentrate the outer skin in sufficient concentration to cause any significant toxicity to the underlying human keratinocytes.[3]

Estrogenic effects were noted in laboratory animals at concentrations close to those experienced by sunscreen users.[4]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Merck Index, 11th Edition, 6687.
  2. ^ Sinister side of sunscreens, Rob Edwards, New Scientist, 07 October 2000
  3. ^ Hayden, C. G. J.; Cross, S. E.; Anderson, C.; Saunders, N. A.; Roberts, M. S. (2005). "Sunscreen Penetration of Human Skin and Related Keratinocyte Toxicity after Topical Application". Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 18 (4): 170–174. doi:10.1159/000085861. 
  4. ^ Skin deep Cosmetics Database
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