Octocrylene

Other names: Octocrylene

Harm score: 4 (Slightly harmful chemistry)

Octocrylene, also known as Octocrylene, is an organic compound produced by chemical synthesis. It is a common ingredient in various cosmetic and dermatological products. It is popular in the production of skin care, especially products designed for sun protection, as it acts as an effective absorber of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Not only can it absorb most of the UVB rays, the ones that are most harmful to our skin, but also a certain proportion, around 10% to be precise, of UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause it to age. Octocrylene is therefore mainly used in sunscreens, but it is also found in hair care products, deodorants, lipsticks and many others.

The advantage of octocrylene is its stability and its ability to increase the effectiveness of other UV filters, thanks to its ability to reduce the spectral width of UV radiation absorbed by other sun filters. In addition to its main effect of sun protection, it also acts as an emollient, which means that it helps to keep the skin supple and hydrated. At the same time, it can act as an antioxidant, thus protecting the skin not only against sun damage but also against the damaging effects of free radicals. However, it should be stressed that despite its positive properties, octocrylene can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and should therefore be avoided by people with sensitive or allergic skin.