Octinoxate
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate · Ethylhexyl Cinnamate
What it is
An estrogen-active UV filter (CAS 5466-77-3) permitted in US sunscreens at up to 7.5%. Also used as a UV stabilizer and fragrance fixative in non-SPF products.
In this product: UV filter / UV stabilizer in a fragrance body mist, not functioning as a sunscreen here.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Dermal and inhalation. Applied as an aerosolized body mist, both sprayed onto skin (leave-on) and inhaled during application. The inhalation route is unregulated for this use context.
EUROPEAN UNION
Permitted UV filter in EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex VI at maximum 10% (as Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate). Under review for endocrine disruption classification under EU CLP; not yet formally classified as an EU CLP endocrine disruptor as of 2026.
UNITED STATES
FDA approved at up to 7.5% as an OTC sunscreen active. Its presence in a non-SPF fragrance mist means it functions as a UV stabilizer / fragrance component, no FDA OTC claim applies.
The evidence
Hawaii Act 104 (SB 2571, effective January 1, 2021) banned sunscreens containing octinoxate (and oxybenzone) citing coral reef harm and systemic absorption concerns.
regulatory · 2021 · source
In vitro studies show estrogenic activity for ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. EU has been reviewing it for endocrine disruption classification under EU CLP.
in-vitro · 2026 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed.
How to avoid it
Check ingredient lists for Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or Octinoxate, it can appear in non-SPF products as a UV stabilizer. Fragrance mists and some moisturizers include it without sunscreen claims.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.