Chemical Name: Octocrylene
Chemical Synonyms: 2-Ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate; Parsol 340; Uvinul N-539; Eusolex OCR
CAS No.: 6197-30-4
Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₂₇NO₂
Molecular Weight:361.48 g/mol
Octocrylene (CAS 6197-30-4), also known as 2-Ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, is an oil-soluble organic UV filter widely used in sun care formulations for its UVB absorption and its ability to photostabilize other UV filters, particularly avobenzone . It is a yellow, transparent, viscous liquid with excellent compatibility with common sunscreen actives and oil-phase ingredients . With assay ≥99% and controlled residual starting material, it is suitable for high-SPF sunscreens, daily wear SPF products, and water-resistant formulations.
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Product Name | Octocrylene |
Synonyms | 2-Ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate; Parsol 340; Uvinul N-539; Eusolex OCR |
CAS Number | 6197-30-4 |
Molecular Formula | C₂₄H₂₇NO₂ |
Molecular Weight | 361.48 g/mol |
EINECS No. | 228-250-8 |
Assay / Purity | ≥99% |
Appearance | Yellow to light yellow transparent viscous liquid |
Absorption Range | UVB (peak ~303 nm); also absorbs short-wave UVA |
Residual 2-Ethylhexyl Cyanoacetate | ≤400 ppm (lower preferred; ≤100 ppm available upon request) |
Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
Storage | Cool, dry place, protected from light, tightly sealed |
Sun Care Formulations: Primary UVB filter in sunscreens, sun serums, and daily moisturizers with SPF. Typical use level 1–10% depending on target SPF .
Photostabilization: Significantly improves the photostability of avobenzone in combined UVA/UVB systems, extending formula efficacy .
Water-Resistant Products: Oil-soluble nature supports water-repellent and sweat-resistant claims .
Solubilizer: Used to solubilize solid UV filters in cosmetic and dermatological photoprotective compositions .
EU & China: Permitted UV filter. Maximum concentration in EU and China is 10% .
United States: Permitted under the FDA sunscreen monograph, but the FDA has requested additional safety data. FDA studies showed octocrylene absorbs through skin at levels exceeding the threshold for waiving certain toxicology studies . Buyers targeting the US market should confirm current regulatory status with their compliance team.
Benzophenone Contamination: Octocrylene can degrade into benzophenone, a carcinogen, particularly upon aging or contact with water. Specify low-benzophenone grades if required .
Environmental: Linked to potential marine toxicity, including coral health impact. Some markets (e.g., certain regions) have restricted or banned octocrylene in sunscreens. Verify destination market regulations .
Proven Photostabilizer: One of the most effective stabilizers for avobenzone, preventing 50–90% loss of avobenzone within one hour of sun exposure in unstabilized systems .
Excellent Compatibility: Miscible with a wide range of sunscreen actives (avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone) and oil-phase ingredients .
Controlled Impurity: Residual 2-ethylhexyl cyanoacetate controlled at ≤400 ppm (or ≤100 ppm on request) to minimize discoloration risk .
Full Documentation: COA and MSDS available upon request.
Standard Packaging: 200 kg in plastic drums or 25 kg / 50 kg in smaller containers, or customized packaging upon request .
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Keep away from oxidizing agents.
Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage conditions.