Other Names: Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-butyloctyl ester

Mode of usage pertaining to the discussion below: Topical application in cosmetics and personal care products.

What it is:  Butyloctyl Salicylate is a synthetic ester of salicylic acid and butyloctanol, which improves spreadability, boosts SPF in sunscreens and helps disperse inorganic ingredients like zinc oxide.

Safety in special situations:

Not recommended

Not recommended

Not recommended

Not recommended

Not recommended

Environmental and Ecological Concerns:

Yes

Synthetic

Not readily biodegradable

May cause long lasting harmful effects to the aquatic ecosystem

Attributes:

Not listed as an ingredient to be comedogenic based on currently available data

Not listed as an ingredient to be avoided by people with acne prone skin based on currently available data

Not listed as an ingredient to be avoided by people with sensitive skin based on currently available data

Safety Profile (Based on regional guidelines):

Conclusion
Though Butyloctyl Salicylate is approved for use within recommended concentrations under regional regulatory guidelines, based on emerging evidence related to systemic absorption and potential risk of salicylism in children, we suggest avoiding sunscreens that contain this ingredient.

References

1. https://cir-safety.org
2. https://european-union.europa.eu
3. https://echa.europa.eu
4. https://www.tga.gov.au

Disclaimer: The above information is based on ongoing toxicology research at CHOSEN’s R&D. We do our best to update the information as and when the latest studies are available. If you have any inputs regarding the above information, please email us at ingredients@chosenstore.in