Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)
octinoxate · octyl methoxycinnamate · omc
Chemical UV-B filter that penetrates the skin and may disrupt thyroid and estrogen pathways. Banned in Hawaii and Palau due to coral reef toxicity.
Concerns
- Endocrine disruption — estrogenic and thyroid-disrupting activity in animal studies
- Detected in blood, urine, and breast milk (FDA 2019)
- Coral reef toxicity — Hawaii banned it in 2021
- Photodegrades into potentially more toxic compounds
Regulatory flags
- ⚑Hawaii banned in sunscreen (2021) — coral reef damage
- ⚑Palau banned (2019)
- ⚑EU restricts to max 7.5% in sunscreen
Commonly found in
Safer swaps we'd look at
Thinksport
Thinksport SPF 50+
The cleanest mineral sunscreen we've found. Zero hormone disruptors.
Why it's cleaner
No flagged ingredients in our current review; key ingredients include Zinc oxide 20%, Sunflower seed oil, Shea butter.
Pipette
Pipette Mineral SPF 50
Sheer mineral SPF designed for sensitive skin.
Why it's cleaner
No flagged ingredients in our current review; key ingredients include Zinc oxide 20%, Squalane, Bisabolol.
Sources & references
Last researched: April 18, 2026
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
Check another ingredient
Search our database of scored cosmetic, food, and household ingredients — or scan a full product label.
Open the Ingredient Lab