Octocrylene


Octocrylene is an organic compound used as an ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics. It is an ester formed by the reaction of 3,3-diphenylcyanoacrylate with 2-ethylhexanol. It is a viscous, oily liquid that is clear and colorless.
The extended conjugation of the acrylate portion of the molecule absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA rays with wavelengths from 280 to 320 nm, protecting the skin from direct DNA damage. The ethylhexanol portion is a fatty alcohol, adding emollient and oil-like properties.
This organic compound can penetrate into the skin where it acts as a photosensitizer. This results in an increased production of free radicals under illumination.
In coral, octocrylene has been shown to accumulate in the form of fatty acid conjugates and trigger mitochondrial dysfunction. Also, it has been demonstrated that octocrylene passes through the skin in human experiments, enters blood stream, is metabolized and eventually excreted in urine in form of its metabolites. The country of Palau banned the sale and use of 3 reef toxic UV filters including octocrylene in its Responsible Tourism Education Act of 2018. Earlier in 2019, the U.S. Virgin Island also banned the sale and use of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene.