Common Name(s): 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate
CAS Number: 6197-30-4
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides uvb-uva-ii uv protection and essential avobenzone photostabilisation.
Why It's Used: The essential combination partner โ octocrylene's dual uv filter + avobenzone photostabilisation function makes it virtually irreplaceable for durable broad-spectrum chemical sunscreens requiring uva-i coverage.
How It Works: Cyanocinnamate chromophore absorbs uvb-uva-ii (ฮปmax 303nm). triplet energy transfer from excited avobenzone to octocrylene photostabilises avobenzone (>90% efficiency at 3:1 avobenzone:octocrylene ratio). hydrophobic character enhances water resistance.
Typically Found In: Broad-spectrum sunscreens,avobenzone-containing formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ uv filter and photostabiliser
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Up to 10% (eu), 10% (us fda)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Eu max 10%. fda: 10%. ewg score: 3. recent benzophenone impurity concerns from aged product hydrolysis under study.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Octocrylene's triplet energy transfer photostabilisation of avobenzone operates via a dexter electron exchange mechanism: excited-state avobenzone (triplet) transfers excitation energy to octocrylene via orbital overlap, allowing avobenzone to return to its ground state uv-absorbing form without photodegradation. this energy transfer is only efficient at close molecular proximity โ requiring intimate mixing of the two compounds in the formulation oil phase.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,fda uv filter otc monograph,sccs octocrylene opinion