Octyl salicylate
CAS Number
6969-49-9
EC Number
230-190-2
Industries: Personal Care & Cosmetics
What is Octyl salicylate?
Octyl salicylate (CAS 6969-49-9), also known as octyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, is an organic UV filter used in sun care and cosmetic formulations to absorb UVB radiation in the 280–320 nm range.
Where is Octyl salicylate used?
- Sunscreen and sun care: UVB protection, frequently combined with other UV filters
- Color cosmetics and daily moisturizers: incidental UV protection, texture and spreadability
- Pharmaceutical topicals: UV-protective formulations where photostability is a concern
- It functions as a UV absorber and as a solvent carrier for other active ingredients.
Good to know: Its solvating properties dissolve solid UV filters such as avobenzone, improving incorporation and stability into emulsions and anhydrous systems.
Commercial specifications
- Cosmetic-grade specification conforming to purity requirements referenced in major pharmacopoeial and regulatory frameworks, including EU Cosmetics Regulation permitted UV filter lists
Other Names (Synonyms)
2-Hydroxybenzoic acid octyl ester|Salicylic acid, octyl ester|N-Octyl o-hydroxybenzoate|Octyl o-hydroxybenzoate|Salicylate de n-octyle|Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, octyl ester|n-Octyl salicylate
What are the physical properties of Octyl salicylate?
Boiling Point 333.47°C (rough estimate)
Density 1.1109 (rough estimate)
Form Colourless oily liquid.
Refractive Index 1.5020 (estimate)
Log P 6.089 (est)
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Octyl salicylate?
HS Code 2918290090