Octocrylene UVB Sunscreen

INCI: Octocrylene

Octocrylene is an oil-soluble organic UV filter, supplied as a clear to pale-yellow viscous liquid. It absorbs primarily in the UVB range, with useful reach into short-wave UVA (UVA II), making it a versatile building block for sun protection and daily-defence formulations.

Beyond its own sun-protection contribution, Octocrylene is prized by formulators for two things: it is highly photostable and helps stabilise other, more fragile filters — most notably avobenzone — so a finished sunscreen holds its protection for longer in sunlight. It also boosts SPF and improves the water resistance and cushiony feel of the final product.

Typical uses: sunscreens, day creams and lotions, tinted moisturisers, lip balms and after-sun products, and anywhere a stable, oil-phase UV filter is needed.

How to use: add to the oil phase and warm gently if needed to ease incorporation. Commonly used at up to 10%, adjusted to the protection level and the rest of the filter system.

Please note: sunscreens are a regulated product category. In New Zealand and Australia, finished sunscreens and their SPF claims fall under the sunscreen standard AS/NZS 2604 — please formulate, test and label accordingly.

Features: Oil-soluble · Photostable · Vegan · Not tested on animals.