What is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate used for?

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate is a sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays. This sunscreen active is one of several currently undergoing further safety testing under the purview of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate harmful?

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate / Octyl methoxycinnamate) is a chemical UVB-filter allowed in the EU at concentrations up to 10%. In 2001, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concluded that ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate does not have any endocrine disrupting effects.

Does sunscreen damage your liver?

Also in 2017, scientists found that avobenzone can turn toxic when exposed to chlorine and potentially lead to kidney and liver dysfunction. Now fast forward to 2019-2020… a new study was just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

What is methoxycinnamate used for?

It is primarily used in sunscreens 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.

Is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate chemical?

Overall, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an old-school chemical sunscreen agent. There are plenty of better options for sun protection today, but it is considered “safe as used” (and sunscreens are pretty well regulated) and it is available worldwide (can be used up to 10% in the EU and up to 7.5% in the US).

Does octinoxate disrupt hormones?

Octinoxate has been detected in human urine, blood and breast milk, which indicates that humans are systemically exposed to this compound,. Octinoxate is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can disrupt thyroid function.

Is methoxycinnamate toxic?

Another name for it is octyl-methoxycinnamate. Scientists are unsure whether octinoxate could be harmful to humans. There is insufficient research to confirm its safety, but the few human studies that do exist suggest that it has a minimal effect. However, scientists do know that octinoxate damages marine ecosystems.

Is zinc oxide an endocrine disruptor?

Mineral-based sunblock utilizes titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, two FDA-approved sunscreen ingredients that block both UVB and UVA rays. They are not chemicals, they do not mimic hormones and they are not endocrine disrupters.

Do sunscreen chemicals accumulate in the body?

For the second time in less than a year, a study of common sunscreen ingredients has established that the chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream at concentrations far greater than the Food and Drug Administration’s safety threshold.

Is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate reef safe?

Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) – Sunscreen ingredient shown to cause coral bleaching. 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4MBC) – Sunscreen ingredient shown to cause coral bleaching. Allowed in Europe and Canada, not in USA or Japan.

Does zinc oxide affect hormones?

Why is octinoxate harmful?

Reproductive organs and development toxicity: Numerous studies have reported that octinoxate exhibits antiandrogenic activity, which is linked to harmful effects on reproductive organ development in male and female fetuses exposed in utero. These effects can be further passed onto their offspring.

How does oxybenzone affect the endocrine system?

Oxybenzone is a potential endocrine disruptor, meaning it can affect growth, development and reproduction, Leiba said. According to her group, studies have shown it is a weak estrogen and can lower testosterone in adolescent boys. As a result, Leiba said sunscreens with oxybenzone should be avoided.

Does mineral sunscreen go into your bloodstream?

VERIFY: Yes, sunscreen can be absorbed into your blood, but that doesn’t mean you should stop wearing it. The FDA found evidence that the active ingredients in sunscreen can seep into your bloodstream even after one use. However, they say you should continue wearing it.

Does chemical sunscreen go into your bloodstream?

Over almost a month researchers tested blood samples and confirmed that all six active ingredients in sunscreen are absorbed in the bloodstream at measurable levels.

Is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate vegan?

Octinoxate is vegan but its use may have a negative environmental impact. Also known as Octyl Methoxycinnamate or EHMC, it is an organic compound used in sunscreens. Octinoxate has been shown to cause damage to marine life and coral reefs.

Is Banana Boat Ultra Sport reef-safe?

REEF-FRIENDLY PROTECTION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY That’s why all Banana Boat® products* are “reef-friendly” (made without oxybenzone or octinoxate).

Can zinc cause hormonal imbalance?

Zinc promotes the conversion of thyroid hormones thyroxine to triiodothyronine and zinc deficiency can result in hypothyroidism, a common disorder of the endocrine system characterized by decreased production of thyroid hormone.

What is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate?

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octinoxate, or OMC is a common ingredient in suncare products. It’s a clear oil-soluble liquid that protects the skin from UVB rays by reflecting the harmful rays. Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate may also be listed as octyl methoxycinnamate, but it’s the same thing.

Does ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate protect against UVB rays?

Since ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate only protects against UVB rays it is often used with other active ingredients such as octocrylene, homosalate, and meradimate. Octinoxate helps prevent sunburns, reduces the risk of getting skin cancer, and it absorbs well.

Is it safe to use ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate during pregnancy?

There is limited data on the safety of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate during pregnancy. However, one study found traces of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate in urine, blood, and even breast milk. Consider using a mineral-based sunscreen option during pregnancy or on small children.

Is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate approved for OTC sunscreens?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an OTC drug review of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate and did approve it for use in OTC sunscreens up to a concentration of 7.5%.