Octisalate (null)

**Octisalate** (also known as *ethylhexyl salicylate* or *octyl salicylate*) is an organic ester derived from salicylic acid, primarily used as a UVB-absorbing chemical sunscreen agent[1][2][3]. It absorbs UVB wavelengths in the 295-320 nm range, peaking at 307-310 nm, and protects the skin by converting absorbed UV energy into harmless heat[3][5]. Octisalate is considered a weak UVB absorber and adds only minimally to the SPF value, so it is seldom used alone and is typically combined with other, stronger UV filters[1][3][6]. Besides providing limited UV protection, it acts as a solubilizer and stabilizer for more efficient filters such as avobenzone in sunscreen formulations[1]. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EU have approved its use (up to 5%), but systemic absorption and unknown long-term health effects remain safety concerns, as do potential environmental effects[1][2]. Octisalate does not fit the typical definition of a therapeutic target (such as receptor, enzyme, transporter, etc.), but instead is a functional ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological formulations. The query "Ultraviolet radiation absorption by octisalate" is not itself a canonical target; it describes a physical-chemical process, not a druggable biological entity.

Other names

Ethylhexyl salicylate2-ethylhexyl salicylateOctyl salicylate2-ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate

Absorbs UVB radiation (295-320 nm, peak absorption at 307-310 nm), transforms it into less harmful energy (heat), thereby protecting the skin from UV-induced damage[1][2][3][5]