Octinoxate

Also known as: ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octyl methoxycinnamate, OMC, EHMC

Varies by useunder our published method

Varies by use. The concern our method flags differs by product type and market — see the per-use verdicts below.

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Octinoxate is a UV filter used in some sunscreen and cosmetic products.

Why people ask

People ask because EU UV-filter listings and Hawaii sunscreen sale restrictions are different scopes.

What our method flags — by use

Cosmetic · EU UV-filter listing

In EU cosmetics, our method rates octinoxate as moderate-concern because it is a named UV-filter with a concentration cell.

The EU listed by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 octinoxate, also named ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, in the Annex VI UV-filter table with a maximum concentration cell.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
European Union / EUR-Lex	The EU listed by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 octinoxate, also named ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, in the Annex VI UV-filter table with a maximum concentration cell.	authority_regulatory	2009-11-30	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

Cosmetic · Hawaii sunscreen market (environmental statute)

In Hawaii sunscreen-market scope, our method rates octinoxate as higher-concern because a state environmental statute restricts sale or distribution of SPF sunscreen personal-care products containing it.

Hawaii restricted by HRS section 342D-21 the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of SPF sunscreen protection personal care products containing octinoxate without a medically licensed prescription; basis is state environmental-statute market scope.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
Hawaii State Legislature	Hawaii restricted by HRS section 342D-21 the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of SPF sunscreen protection personal care products containing octinoxate without a medically licensed prescription; basis is state environmental-statute market scope.	authority_regulatory	2018-07-03	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product score, octinoxate contributes a moderate concern signal in EU UV-filter scope and a higher concern signal in Hawaii sunscreen-market scope.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

This is what Octinoxate is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.