Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Decode Label flags Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care (endocrine disruptor). It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
The concern
UV filter — hormone-disruption concern; EU capped at 10% after review
Octinoxate is a widely used chemical UV filter. It is absorbed through skin and detectable in blood and breast milk, and shows oestrogenic activity in laboratory and animal studies. The EU SCCS confirmed this endocrine activity in its 2025 final opinion but concluded the substance remains safe as a UV filter up to 10% in sunscreen, face, hand and lip products; it is separately banned in several coral-reef jurisdictions. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are the alternative where this matters.
Most relevant to
Cited authority
EU SCCS Opinion SCCS/1671/24 (2025, final); Krause et al., Int. J. Androl. 2012
Linked sources: EU-CosIng → EU →
Not found in this catalogue
0 of 893 published products Decode Label has analysed list Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or any of its label synonyms. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole. If a product we score lists it, it will appear here and its score will reflect it.
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Permitted | Annex VI 12 | — max 10% | View → |
Hazard classification
SCCS's own evidence review found EHMC is endocrine-active (estrogenic, weak anti-androgenic) in vitro and in vivo, but concluded the margin of safety supports continued use up to 10% in sunscreen, face, hand and lip products, including for children.
Identity
- Canonical name
- 2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate / Octinoxate
- INCI name
- ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE
- CAS number
- 5466-77-3
- EC number
- 226-775-7
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate safe?
EU: SCCS Opinion SCCS/1671/24 (2025) — safe up to 10% following endocrine-disruptor review. Why it is flagged: UV filter — hormone-disruption concern; EU capped at 10% after review. Decode Label treats it as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care. It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
How common is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label has not found Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate in any of the 893 published products analysed so far. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole.
Which authorities have classified Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate?
EU — SCCS Opinion SCCS/1671/24 (2025) — safe up to 10% following endocrine-disruptor review.
Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate has 1 permitted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate?
People who are pregnant; Children; Anyone using this regularly.
Related ingredients
Other entries in the register with the same kind of concern.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.