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Octyl Salicylate is an organic compound commonly used as a sunscreen agent due to its ability to absorb UVB rays.
OCTYL SALICYLATE is often found in skincare and cosmetic products.
CAS Number: 118-60-5
Synonyms:
2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate,Octyl 2-hydroxybenzoate,2-Ethylhexyl ester of salicylic acid, 2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
Introduction
Overview of Octyl Salicylate
Octyl Salicylate, also known as Octyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, is a chemical compound widely used as an active ingredient in sunscreens and other cosmetic products.
As a UV filter, it protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing UVB rays. This organic ester is derived from salicylic acid and octyl alcohol.
Historical Development and Discovery
The development of Octyl Salicylate dates back to the early 20th century when scientists sought ways to protect human skin from UV radiation.
Its introduction as a UV filter in sunscreen formulations marked a major advancement in dermatological science.
Octyl Salicylate was recognized for its ability to absorb UVB light and prevent sunburn, becoming a critical component of modern sun protection products.
Uses in Various Industries
Cosmetics and Skincare: Widely used in sunscreen products for its UVB-filtering properties.
Pharmaceuticals: It has some applications in the treatment of sun-induced skin damage and in the prevention of certain types of skin disorders.
Personal Care Products: It is used in formulations like body lotions, face creams, and after-sun products due to its emollient and skin-conditioning properties.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure and Formula
The molecular formula of Octyl Salicylate is C8H10O3, and its IUPAC name is 2-ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate.
The structure consists of a salicylic acid derivative, where the carboxyl group (-COOH) has been esterified with an octyl alcohol molecule.
This esterification increases its solubility in oils and improves its skin compatibility.
Solubility and Stability Characteristics
Octyl Salicylate is a colorless, oily liquid with a faint odor. It is soluble in alcohol and oils but only sparingly soluble in water, making it ideal for inclusion in oil-based cosmetic formulations.
Its stability is enhanced when combined with antioxidants in formulations, as exposure to UV light or oxygen can degrade its UV-absorbing efficacy over time.
UV-Absorbing Properties
It primarily absorbs UVB radiation, which has wavelengths ranging from 280 to 320 nm.
This ability helps prevent the skin from sunburn caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.
Its absorption spectrum allows it to filter out harmful UV rays, while its low volatility ensures sustained protection when applied topically.
Synthesis and Production
Synthesis Process
The synthesis of Octyl Salicylate typically involves the esterification of salicylic acid with 2-ethylhexyl alcohol (octyl alcohol) in the presence of a catalyst.
The reaction proceeds under mild heat and is typically carried out in an anhydrous medium to prevent the formation of unwanted by-products.
Reaction: Salicylic acid + 2-Ethylhexyl alcohol → Octyl Salicylate + Water
Raw Materials Used
Salicylic Acid: A naturally occurring compound derived from plants such as willow bark or synthesized from phenol.
Octyl Alcohol (2-Ethylhexyl Alcohol): A branched-chain alcohol that is derived from petrochemical sources.
Industrial Production Methods
Large-scale production of Octyl Salicylate often utilizes esterification techniques involving controlled conditions of temperature and pressure.
The process may also involve distillation to purify the final product, ensuring it meets the required quality and safety standards for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
Applications
As a UV Filter in Sunscreens
Octyl Salicylate is primarily used as a sunscreen agent due to its ability to absorb UVB radiation.
It plays a key role in broad-spectrum sunscreens, contributing to the protection of the skin from UVB-induced erythema (sunburn).
Use in Skin-Care Products
In addition to sunscreens, Octyl Salicylate is included in moisturizers, body lotions, and after-sun products.
Its emollient properties help soften the skin, while its UV-filtering action protects against photoaging and pigmentation.
Stabilizing Sunscreen Formulations
Octyl Salicylate enhances the stability of sunscreen formulations by improving the solubility of other active ingredients in the oil phase.
It also provides a stable protective film on the skin's surface, enhancing the product’s effectiveness in long-term sun exposure.
Benefits
UVB Protection
Octyl Salicylate is highly effective at absorbing UVB radiation, which is the primary cause of sunburn and other skin damages.
By incorporating Octyl Salicylate into sunscreens, it helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Non-Greasy Texture
The compound has a light, non-greasy feel when applied to the skin, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetic formulations, especially those intended for use on the face.
Skin Compatibility
It is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, making it an ideal choice for topical formulations that are used daily.
Drawbacks and Limitations
Limited UV Protection
Although effective against UVB radiation, Octyl Salicylate provides limited protection against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to long-term skin aging and DNA damage.
As a result, it is often combined with other UV filters to offer broad-spectrum protection.
Skin Irritation
In rare cases, Octyl Salicylate may cause skin irritation, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to allergic reactions to fragrance or other ingredients in formulations.
Regulatory Restrictions
Some countries have placed restrictions on the concentration of Octyl Salicylate that can be used in sunscreens, mainly due to concerns about its ability to penetrate the skin and potential long-term effects.
Regulatory bodies like the FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) monitor its usage closely.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT OCTYL SALICYLATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
