Octyl methoxycinnamate[1]
IUPAC name	2-ethylhexyl (2E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate
Other names	Octyl methoxycinnamate Octinoxate Tinosorb OMC (E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) prop-2-enoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester
Identifiers
CAS number	5466-77-3 Y
PubChem	5355130
SMILES	CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)C=CC1=CC=C(C=C1)OC
Properties
Molecular formula	C18H26O3
Molar mass	290.397
Density	1.01 g/cm3
Melting point	-25 °C
Boiling point	198-200 °C
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Octyl methoxycinnamate (INCI) or octinoxate (USAN), trade names Eusolex 2292 and Tinosorb OMC, is an organic compound that is an ingredient in some sunscreens and lip balms. It is an ester formed from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is a clear liquid that is insoluble in water.

Its primary use is in suncreens and other cosmetics to absorb UV-B rays from the sun, protecting the skin from damage. It is also used to reduce the appearance of scars.

[edit] Safety studies

One study performed in 2000 raised safety concerns about octyl methoxycinnamate by demonstrating toxicity to mouse cells at concentrations lower than typical levels in sunscreens.^[2] However, a more recent study concluded that octyl methoxycinnamate and other sun screening agents do not penetrate the outer skin in sufficient concentration to cause any significant toxicity to the underlying human keratinocytes.^[3]

Estrogenic effects were noted in laboratory animals at concentrations close to those experienced by sunscreen users.^[4]

[edit] See also

• Cinoxate, another cinnamic acid based sunscreen ingredient
• sunscreen controversy
• Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

[edit] References