Pentylphenyl Octyloxybenzoate

INCI: Pentylphenyl Octyloxybenzoate | Function: UV Absorber | Type: UV Absorber (Benzophenone-type)

What Is Pentylphenyl Octyloxybenzoate?

Pentylphenyl Octyloxybenzoate is a benzophenone-type UV absorber with an octyloxy chain that enhances oil solubility. It provides UVB and short UVA absorption, functioning as a photoprotective agent in sunscreens and daily-wear cosmetics with SPF. The longer alkyl chain improves compatibility with emollients and organic sunscreen filters.

Key Skin Benefits

+ UVB + short UVA protection — broadens coverage vs methoxy variant
+ Enhanced oil solubility — improved formulation compatibility
+ Photostability — maintains protection under sun exposure

Pros

+ Better solubility profile than shorter-chain variants
+ Improves spreadability of sunscreen formulations
+ Synergistic with other UV filters for broad-spectrum coverage

Cons

− Benzophenone family — potential endocrine activity
− Environmental concerns — aquatic toxicity research ongoing
− Synthetic — non-renewable raw material source
− Possible photosensitization in sensitive individuals

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body
Product Type	Leave-On
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	2/5
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	4/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Sunscreens	1–5%
SPF Day Creams	0.5–2%
Body Sunscreens	1–3%

References

CosIng Database — Pentylphenyl Octyloxybenzoate. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
CIR Safety Assessment — Benzophenone derivatives. PMID: 22934833
EWG Skin Deep — Pentylphenyl Octyloxybenzoate. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

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