Ingredient dictionary

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Also listed as: Octisalate

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an oil-soluble UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet B rays and can help perfume scents last. It is on the label of 60 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: it belongs to the chemical UV filter family, which very sensitive skin may react to, so people who want a mineral-only sunscreen usually skip it.

Chemical UV filters. Very sensitive skin, and people who want a mineral-only sunscreen, check for these.

What Ethylhexyl Salicylate does

Absorbs UVB rays before they reach skin
Dissolves in oils and oily ingredients
Helps scents last longer in perfume

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is made by joining salicylic acid, a gentle skin-care acid, with 2-ethylhexanol, an oil-friendly alcohol. The result is an oil-loving ester that absorbs ultraviolet B light, the rays most linked to sunburn. Chemists use it because it dissolves well in oils and blends easily with other sunscreen filters.

Because it works mainly on UVB, formulas often pair it with filters that cover UVA. In perfume, it can help a scent last longer on the skin. In creams and lotions, it sits in the oily part of the formula, which helps it spread evenly across the skin.

Good for

People who want a sunscreen or moisturizer with UV protection and do not need a mineral-only formula.

Be careful if

It belongs to the chemical UV filter family, which very sensitive skin may react to, so people who want a mineral-only sunscreen usually skip it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ethylhexyl Salicylate the same as octisalate?

Yes. Octisalate is a common name for the same UV filter, so you may see either name on a label or in a guide. Both describe an oil-soluble salicylate that absorbs UVB light. Check the ingredient list for either name if you are avoiding it.

Is Ethylhexyl Salicylate safe for sensitive skin?

Many people tolerate it well. Because it is a chemical UV filter, very sensitive skin can react to it. If your skin is easily irritated, test a new product on a small area first, or choose a mineral sunscreen instead.