Function:

Need Training?

Build a solid foundation in science, formulation and product development—find out more!

Most Popular in:

UV Filter

149

Ingredient Profile—Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

27

A Melanin Derivative to Shield the Skin from High Energy Visible Light

25

Water-based, High-UVA Titanium Dioxide Dispersion for Natural UV Protection and Added Formulation Benefits

25

Enzymatic Synthesis of Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate from the Natural Ethyl Ester

22

Artemia Extract: Toward More Extensive Sun

20

Micron-sized Zinc Oxide Dispersion for Transparent High SPF Formula

20

Silane-coated Titanium Dioxide Dispersion for Protection and Skin Feel

18

Water-based, Broad Spectrum, Titanium Dioxide Dispersion

18

Using Zinc Oxide in Sunscreen Products

17

Silicon Microspheres as UV, Visible and Infrared Filters for Cosmetics

Excerpt Only

Email This Item! Print This Item!

Ingredient Profile—Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

By: Michael J. Fevola, PhD, Johnson & Johnson
Posted: February 2, 2012, from the February 2012 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

Purchase This Article

  • From Cosmetics & Toiletries
  • February 2012 issue, pg 84
  • 4 pages

Article Keywords:

  • ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
  • sunscreen
  • UV filter
  • active

Available Formats:

  • Adobe PDF for download
  • Printed copies mailed to you

From $9 an article

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is among the most frequently used organic ultraviolet (UV) filters, known primarily for its role as an active ingredient in sunscreen products.1–3 EHMC also has been used in hair, skin, nail and color cosmetic products to protect substrates, e.g., hair from damage by UVB radiation, and to help stabilize formulations against photodegradation.

Chemistry and Manufacture

EHMC, shown in Figure 1, is the 2-ethylhexyl ester of para-methoxycinnamic acid. Its molecular formula is C18H26O3, corresponding to a molecular weight of 290.4 g/mol.1, 4 The compound is often referred to as octyl methoxy-cinnamate (OMC) because it bears a C8 alkyl group; however, this name does not reflect the distinctly branched nature of the 2-ethylhexyl group in EHMC. The previous US Pharmacopeia (USP) name for EHMC was octyl methoxycinnamate; this name was changed to octinoxate in the year 2000 and was adopted as the US over-the-counter (OTC) drug name for EHMC in 2002.2, 3

This is only an excerpt of the full article that appeared in Cosmetics & Toiletries, but you can purchase the full-text version.