Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC)

Octyl methoxycinnamate, also known as octinoxate or ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, is an organic compound widely used as a UV-B filter in sunscreens and cosmetic products. It is a cinnamic acid ester that absorbs UV-B light to prevent skin damage such as sunburn. Although effective at absorbing UV-B radiation, it does not protect against UV-A. Safety concerns have been raised due to its potential for systemic absorption, endocrine disruption, and environmental effects such as coral bleaching. Octinoxate is not a molecular therapeutic target but functions via physical and chemical absorption of UV energy, thereby reducing DNA photodamage in skin cells

Other names

OctinoxateEthylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctyl-p-methoxycinnamateParsol MCXEusolex 2292Uvinul MC80

Absorbs UV-B rays (wavelengths up to ~310 nm) to dissipate energy and prevent skin penetration of damaging UV radiation, minimizing direct DNA photodamage