Ingredient guide · E

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is a widely used UV filter found in many UK sunscreens, daily moisturisers and lip products. It helps protect the skin from UVB rays that can cause sunburn and contribute to premature ageing. Shoppers often see it listed near the top of ingredient labels in lightweight, everyday SPF formulas.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate — Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is a synthetic organic compound derived from cinnamic acid,… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate works by absorbing ultraviolet radiation in the UVB range and converting it into harmless heat that is released from the skin. It is an oil-soluble liquid that mixes easily into emulsions, helping to create elegant, non-greasy textures in sunscreens, tinted moisturisers and lip balms. Formulators in the UK value it for its excellent photostability when combined with other filters and its ability to boost the overall SPF performance of a product.

Key benefits

  • Offers effective UVB protection
  • Helps prevent visible signs of sun-induced ageing
  • Contributes to higher SPF ratings in lightweight formulas
  • Improves product texture and spreadability
  • Photostable when used in combination with other UV filters
  • Suitable for daily wear under makeup

Best for

normal skin, combination skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

Where it comes from

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is a synthetic organic compound derived from cinnamic acid, which occurs naturally in plants such as cinnamon, balsam and shea. The cosmetic-grade version is produced through chemical synthesis to ensure purity and stability for use in sunscreens and skincare.

Products with Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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