Chemical UVB sunscreen/sunblock: octyl salicylate (octisalate)

Generic name: octyl salicylate (octisalate)

Brand(s): Various

Type: Chemical

Range of UV spectrum covered: UVB

Wavelengths covered: 295-315 nm, peak at 307-310 nm

Stability:
When exposed to sunlight octyl salicylate undergoes some degradation. There is not enough data to judge the impact of degradation on the UVB blocking ability.

Summary:
Octyl salicylate is an oil soluble chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB radiation. It does not protect against UVA. It appears to have comparatively good safety profile. However, used alone it is insufficient even for UVB protection.

Details:
Octyl salicylate is an oil soluble chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB radiation. It does not protect against UVA.

Octyl salicylate is used to augment the UVB protection in a sunscreen. Salicylates are weak UVB absorbers and they are generally used in combination with other UV filters. Octyl salicylate appears to have a good safety profile.