Ingredient
Etocrylene
Etocrylene is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and hormone disruptor.
- Octocrilene
- Octyl Salicylate
- 2-Ethylhexyl 2-Cyano-3,3-Diphenyl-2-Propenoate
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 4 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Etocrylene and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Hormone disruptor
Etocrylene (octocrilene) is a chemical UV filter widely used in sunscreens to absorb UVB and short UVA radiation. It works by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat, preventing it from damaging skin cells. Recent studies have shown that etocrylene can be absorbed systemically through the skin, with detectable levels found in blood and breast milk. More concerning is that etocrylene degrades over time into benzophenone, a known endocrine disruptor. According to research published in Chemical Research in Toxicology, benzophenone can cross the placental barrier. The European Commission's SCCS has expressed concern about this degradation product. While ACOG does not explicitly prohibit etocrylene, many obstetricians recommend mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) during pregnancy as a precautionary measure due to the systemic absorption and degradation concerns with chemical filters. Some dermatologists consider etocrylene acceptable during pregnancy when proper sun protection is needed and mineral alternatives are not available. However, the growing body of evidence about systemic absorption and benzophenone formation has led many experts to recommend mineral-based sunscreens as the first choice for pregnant women.
Etocrylene and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Etocrylene is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) chemical UV filter that is systemically absorbed when applied to skin. Research has detected octocrilene and its degradation products in human breast milk. Studies published in Environmental Science & Pollution Research have found chemical UV filters, including octocrilene, in breast milk samples at measurable concentrations. The concern is compounded by etocrylene's degradation into benzophenone, which has endocrine-disrupting properties. While the clinical significance of these levels for breastfed infants is not fully established, the fat-soluble nature of etocrylene means it can accumulate in breast tissue and potentially transfer to milk over time. The AAD acknowledges concerns about chemical UV filters during breastfeeding and many dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens as a safer alternative. While not absolutely prohibited, women who are breastfeeding may wish to choose zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based sunscreens to minimize infant exposure to chemical filters.
Etocrylene and postpartum
Safe to Use
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, etocrylene presents fewer concerns as there is no risk of transfer to an infant. Sun protection is important during the postpartum period, especially for preventing melasma and hyperpigmentation. While etocrylene does have systemic absorption and degradation concerns, these are less critical when there is no infant exposure risk. Women with sensitive post-pregnancy skin may still prefer mineral sunscreens, but chemical filters like etocrylene can be used if needed for adequate sun protection.
Etocrylene and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
For women trying to conceive, the endocrine-disrupting potential of etocrylene's degradation product (benzophenone) raises theoretical concerns about fertility and early pregnancy, though direct evidence linking topical etocrylene use to fertility issues is limited. Many fertility specialists recommend minimizing exposure to known or suspected endocrine disruptors during the preconception period. While not absolutely prohibited, switching to mineral sunscreens before actively trying to conceive is a precautionary approach supported by reproductive health experts.
Etocrylene and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Etocrylene's degradation product, benzophenone, has demonstrated endocrine-disrupting properties in laboratory studies. For women with PCOS, who already have hormonal imbalances, exposure to additional endocrine disruptors is a theoretical concern. Research published in Reproductive Toxicology suggests that benzophenone can affect estrogen and androgen pathways. While the clinical impact of topical etocrylene on PCOS symptoms has not been directly studied, women with PCOS who are concerned about hormone disruption may prefer mineral-based sun protection. The concern is primarily theoretical based on the endocrine-disrupting potential of degradation products. Many women with PCOS use etocrylene-containing sunscreens without apparent issues, but those wishing to minimize endocrine disruptor exposure have safer mineral alternatives available.
Etocrylene and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Increases sun sensitivity
Etocrylene (octocrilene) is one of the most commonly used chemical UV filters in sunscreens worldwide. It provides broad-spectrum protection against UVB and short UVA rays and helps stabilize other sunscreen ingredients, making it valuable in formulations. The primary concerns for general users are photoallergic reactions, which occur in a small percentage of people, and the ingredient's degradation over time into benzophenone. Studies have shown that older sunscreen products can accumulate significant amounts of benzophenone. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety continues to review etocrylene's safety profile. Recent research has also documented its environmental impact, leading to bans in some marine-protected areas. For most users, etocrylene-containing sunscreens remain approved and effective for sun protection. The FDA includes it on the GRASE (Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective) list for sunscreen ingredients, though ongoing reviews continue. Users should ensure their sunscreen products are not expired and should be aware of potential photoallergic reactions.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Etocrylene, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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