Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a clear, oily liquid commonly used in UK sunscreens and daily moisturisers with SPF. It works as a UVB filter to help protect skin from sun damage while also acting as a solvent for other UV filters. You’ll often find it listed near the top of the ingredients in lightweight facial SPFs and tinted moisturisers.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Ethylhexyl Salicylate functions primarily as a UVB absorber, converting ultraviolet radiation into harmless heat. It is lipophilic, which allows it to integrate easily into oil-based formulations and improve the overall water resistance and spreadability of sunscreen products. It is frequently combined with other UV filters such as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane to achieve broad-spectrum protection while maintaining a non-greasy, elegant skin feel.
Key benefits
- Helps shield skin against UVB rays
- Enhances the performance of other UV filters
- Improves water resistance of sunscreen formulas
- Contributes to a lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Stabilises formulations exposed to sunlight
- Allows for elegant daily wear SPF products
Best for
all skin types, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin
Where it comes from
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a synthetic ester formed from salicylic acid (originally derived from willow bark) and 2-ethylhexanol. While the salicylic acid component has a botanical heritage, the finished ingredient used in cosmetics is produced in a laboratory.