At a glance
| Chemical family | Salicylate ester — UVB-absorbing organic UV filter (ethylhexyl salicylate) |
| CAS number | 118-60-5 |
| Classification | Not classified by IARC. FDA Category I (GRASE) for sunscreen use up to 5%. EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex VI permitted up to 5%. Low systemic absorption; not an endocrine disruptor at relevant exposures |
| Where you encounter it | Sunscreens (combination UVB filter); moisturisers with SPF; cosmetics with sun protection; transfers from skin to bedding during sleep |
| Sleep micro-environment relevance | Transfers from skin to pillowcases and sheets during sleep. One of the most commonly used UV filters in combination sunscreens. Lower concern than oxybenzone or octinoxate |
Regulatory & certification status
| European Union | EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex VI permits octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate) up to 5% in sunscreen products. Not classified as an endocrine disruptor. Not on the SVHC candidate list. Regulatory |
| United States | FDA Category I (GRASE — generally recognised as safe and effective) for OTC sunscreen use up to 5%. Included in the FDA 2019 proposed sunscreen rule for additional safety data, but not flagged as a concern compound. Regulatory |
| Canada | Health Canada approved UV filter for sunscreen use. Permitted up to 5%. Regulatory |
| International | Not IARC classified. Generally considered one of the safer organic UV filters. Hawaii and Palau sunscreen bans target oxybenzone and octinoxate, not octisalate. Regulatory |
What it is
Octisalate is the 2-ethylhexyl ester of salicylic acid — an organic UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation (280-320 nm). It is not a broad-spectrum UV filter on its own and is typically used in combination with other UV filters to boost SPF. Octisalate is valued in sunscreen formulations because it is photostable (does not break down in sunlight as readily as some other UV filters), helps solubilise other UV filters like avobenzone, and has a favourable safety profile. IARC has not evaluated octisalate for carcinogenicity. The FDA classifies it as Category I (generally recognised as safe and effective) at concentrations up to 5% in sunscreen products. Unlike oxybenzone, octisalate has low systemic absorption — an FDA maximal usage trial in 2019 found that plasma concentrations of octisalate remained well below the threshold requiring further safety studies, though the FDA requested additional data for all organic UV filters.
Where it shows up in bedding
Octisalate is not a bedding ingredient. It enters the bedroom through transfer from skin: people who apply sunscreen or SPF-containing moisturisers during the day carry residues on their skin into bed. Octisalate transfers to pillowcases, sheets, and mattress surfaces during overnight contact. Studies of UV filter contamination on hotel bedding have detected octisalate alongside oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate. The health significance of these residues is minimal — octisalate at trace levels on fabric is well below any toxicological concern. The practical concern is cosmetic: UV filter residues can yellow or stain white fabrics over time. Washing bedding regularly removes accumulated UV filter residues.
Citations
- FDA (2019). Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use — Proposed Rule. Federal Register 84 FR 6204. Source Regulatory
- Matta, M.K. et al. (2019). Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients. JAMA, 321(21): 2082-2091. Source Peer-reviewed
- EU SCCS (2021). Scientific Advice on UV Filters in Cosmetic Products. Source Regulatory
Frequently asked questions
Is octisalate safer than oxybenzone?
Yes, by most measures. Octisalate has lower systemic absorption than oxybenzone, does not show endocrine-disrupting activity at relevant human exposures, and has not been restricted by reef-protection legislation (Hawaii and Palau ban oxybenzone and octinoxate, not octisalate). The FDA considers it GRASE for sunscreen use. However, the FDA has requested additional safety data for all organic UV filters as part of its ongoing sunscreen monograph update.
Does octisalate on my pillowcase matter?
The amount of octisalate that transfers from skin to a pillowcase during sleep is trace-level and well below any health concern. The more practical issue is fabric staining — UV filter residues can yellow white pillowcases over time. Regular washing removes accumulated residues.
Related compounds
Embr is a sleep environment company researching and addressing the chemistry of the bedroom. Research and product development in progress.
Last reviewed 2026-07-08. If you find a factual error, contact us.