Etocrylene is a synthetic organic UV filter (ethyl ester of 2‑cyano‑3,3‑diphenylacrylic acid) used mainly in sunscreen and cosmetic formulations to protect against UVB and short-wave UVA radiation.
Etocrylene absorbs UV light and dissipates the energy as heat via photoisomerization, providing photostable sun protection and helping stabilize other UV filters like avobenzone.
Etocrylene generally appears as an off-white to pale yellow powder or viscous liquid, depending on formulation grade.
CAS Number: 5232‑99‑5
EINECS / EC Number: 226‑029‑0 (sometimes 228‑250‑8 similarly to octocrylene)
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₁₅NO₂
Molecular Weight: ~281.32 g/mol
Synonyms: Etocrylene, Etocrilene, Ethyl 2‑cyano‑3,3‑diphenylacrylate, 2‑Propenoic acid, 2‑cyano‑3,3‑diphenyl‑, ethyl ester, Ethyl (diphenylmethylene) cyanoacetate, a‑Cyano‑β,β‑diphenylacrylic acid ethyl ester, Ethyl α‑cyano‑β,β‑diphenylacrylate, Ethyl α‑cyano‑β‑phenylcinnamate, NSC‑52678, CE 2, Uvinul N 35, UV Absorber‑2, Viosorb 910, UV‑3035, Etocrylene; Ethyl 2‑cyano-3,3‑diphenylacrylate; COSING ref 33901; Ethyl cyano diphenyl acrylate
APPLICATIONS
Etocrylene is used in sunscreen formulations as a UVB absorber.
Etocrylene is used in sun care products to enhance photostability of other UV filters.
Etocrylene is applied in broad-spectrum sunscreen creams for increased efficacy.
Etocrylene is incorporated into waterproof sunscreen lotions due to its oil-soluble nature.
Etocrylene is used in spray sunscreens for lightweight UV protection.
Etocrylene is included in baby sunscreens for mild and effective sun defense.
Etocrylene is used in daily moisturizers with SPF for added UVB protection.
Etocrylene is used in BB creams and tinted moisturizers for cosmetic UV protection.
Etocrylene is used in makeup foundations with sun-blocking properties.
Etocrylene is incorporated into lip balms with SPF for UV shielding.
Etocrylene is used in hair sprays to protect hair from sun damage.
Etocrylene is added to face primers with sun protection claims.
Etocrylene is used in men's grooming products such as aftershaves with SPF.
Etocrylene is used in body lotions designed for beachwear with UV protection.
Etocrylene is applied in facial mists with sun-blocking ingredients.
Etocrylene is used in pre-sun exposure skin preparations for enhanced protection.
Etocrylene is included in tanning oils with sun filters.
Etocrylene is used in facial sheet masks offering UV barrier support.
Etocrylene is applied in day creams to maintain photostability in active ingredients.
Etocrylene is used in anti-aging creams for protecting skin from photoaging.
Etocrylene is added to kids’ sun lotions for safe UV coverage.
Etocrylene is used in combination with avobenzone to stabilize its performance.
Etocrylene is incorporated into SPF-rated serums for everyday skincare.
Etocrylene is used in high-SPF sport sunscreens for prolonged protection.
Etocrylene is used in eye creams to defend delicate skin against UV rays.
Etocrylene is applied in sunscreens with antioxidant blends.
Etocrylene is used in facial cleansers for daily UV-preventive routines.
Etocrylene is used in UV-protective body sprays.
Etocrylene is included in foundation powders with SPF protection.
Etocrylene is used in scalp protection sprays for sun-exposed areas.
Etocrylene is used in travel-size sunscreen sticks for on-the-go use.
Etocrylene is used in natural-based sunscreens for enhancing UV defense.
Etocrylene is added to skincare emulsions that aim to fight sun-induced pigmentation.
Etocrylene is used in UV-protective hand creams.
Etocrylene is incorporated in protective creams for outdoor workers.
Etocrylene is used in sunscreens for tattoo protection.
Etocrylene is used in formulas targeting prevention of sun-induced skin discoloration.
Etocrylene is used in dermatological formulations for UV-sensitive skin.
Etocrylene is used in beach body oils for tanning with protection.
Etocrylene is used in facial toners with SPF enhancement.
Etocrylene is added to children’s facial sunscreens for outdoor play.
Etocrylene is used in cosmetics marketed for mountain and snow conditions.
Etocrylene is used in face and body gels with rapid absorption and UV protection.
Etocrylene is used in SPF lipsticks and lip glosses.
Etocrylene is used in hand sanitizers with UV protection.
Etocrylene is included in foundations targeting hyperpigmentation prevention.
Etocrylene is used in facial oils with sun care features.
Etocrylene is used in UV-protective creams for post-chemical peel recovery.
Etocrylene is included in mineral sunscreens to support other filters.
Etocrylene is used in sunscreens formulated for water sports athletes.
Etocrylene is used in sunscreen lotions, creams, sprays, and hair‑care products to provide UVB/UVA protection and improve SPF stability.
It is commonly combined with photounstable filters like avobenzone, acting as a photostabilizer to extend their UV protection efficacy.
Etocrylene is found in nail polish and hair-care formulations to prevent UV-initiated discoloration or degradation of pigments and materials.
DESCRIPTION
Etocrylene is an organic compound primarily used as a UVB filter in sunscreens.
Etocrylene is known for its ability to absorb ultraviolet rays between 280–320 nm.
Etocrylene acts as a photostabilizer for more sensitive UV filters such as avobenzone.
Etocrylene has good solubility in oil-based cosmetic formulations.
Etocrylene contributes to water resistance in sun protection products.
Etocrylene is typically used in concentrations up to 3% in personal care products.
Etocrylene enhances the efficacy and shelf-life of sunscreens.
Etocrylene is suitable for use in a wide pH range, making it versatile in formulation.
Etocrylene is considered a mild and non-irritating UV filter when used within limits.
Etocrylene is commonly found in both mass-market and premium skin care brands for sun protection.Etocrylene functions as a UV-absorbing ester with conjugated phenyl acrylate structure that efficiently blocks UVB and some short UVA wavelengths (max around ~300–320 nm).
It is photostable, resisting degradation under sunlight exposure, which enhances the overall durability of sunscreen formulations.
Etocrylene is lipophilic and oil‑soluble, practically insoluble in water, contributing to water resistance in sunscreen products.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₁₅NO₂
Molecular Weight: ~281.3 g/mol
Appearance: Off‑white crystalline powder or pale yellow viscous liquid
Odor: Mild or nearly odorless
Solubility: Insoluble in water (~4 mg/L at 20 °C); soluble in oils and organic solvents
UV Absorption Range: ~290–320 nm (UVB/short-wave UVA)
Photostability: Highly photostable; does not degrade significantly under UV exposure
Log P: High (lipophilic), supportive of water resistance in formulations
Stability: Chemically stable under ambient conditions; inert in typical cosmetic matrices
Storage Conditions: Store in sealed containers below 30 °C, protected from light and moisture
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move exposed person to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop.
Skin Contact:
Wash skin thoroughly with water and mild soap.
Seek medical advice if irritation occurs.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.
Seek medical attention if ingestion of large amount or symptoms appear.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Etocrylene exhibits low acute toxicity and is not known to cause systemic effects at typical exposure levels.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use in well‑ventilated environments.
Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling in bulk form.
Avoid inhalation of dust or mists and minimize skin contact.
Storage:
Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, ventilated space.
Protect from heat and UV light to preserve stability.
Spill Cleanup:
Contain spills; collect solids or absorb liquids with inert material.
Dispose of according to local chemical safety regulations.
Precautions:
Not classified as sensitizing or irritating; EWG rates concern levels as LOW, and it is not flagged for persistence or bioaccumulation.