Octocrylene in sunscreen: An ingredient you should know about 🌿

Between sun protection factor, UV filters and ingredients: Why a close look at octocrylene is crucial when buying sunscreen.

Sun protection is essential, but not every UV filter is without problems.
Octocrylene , one of the most commonly used chemical UV filters, is facing increasing criticism. As a result, more and more consumers and brands are consciously choosing modern alternatives.

Here you will learn what octocrylene is , why it is viewed critically – and what modern sun protection looks like today.

What is octocrylene?

Octocrylene (INCI: Octocrylene ) is a chemical UV filter that primarily protects against UVB rays. It has been used for many years in sunscreens, daily moisturizers with SPF, makeup, and lip care products.

Unlike mineral filters, octocrylene absorbs UV radiation and converts it into heat directly in the skin.

Why octocrylene is being critically discussed

1. Degradation to benzophenone

Studies show that octocrylene can degrade over time to benzophenone , a substance classified as possibly carcinogenic .
This process is accelerated by heat and light and can be measured after just a few months.

2. Influence on the hormonal system

Octocrylene is considered potentially endocrine disrupting . This aspect is viewed critically, especially for children, pregnant women, and people with sensitive skin .

3. Stress on oceans & corals

If products containing octocrylene enter the water, they can damage coral reefs and accumulate in marine organisms.
For this reason, octocrylene is already banned in countries like Hawaii and Palau .

4. Skin reactions

Octocrylene can cause photoallergic reactions , redness or itching in people with sensitive skin.

How to recognize octocrylene in sunscreen

A quick glance at the INCI list is all it takes. Octocrylene is usually clearly named there, for example as:

• Octocrylene

• 2-Ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate

It's important to know that UV filters aren't just found in classic sunscreens, but also frequently in daily moisturizers with SPF, makeup, and lip products . That's why it's so worthwhile to carefully check the ingredients – especially in products you use regularly.

Modern alternatives: Sunscreen without octocrylene

The good news: Modern sunscreens have long since done without octocrylene.
Today, effective and significantly more stable alternatives are available that offer reliable protection and are better tolerated.

This includes

• mineral UV filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as well as

• modern chemical filters (e.g. Tinosorb S) which are considered particularly light-stable and do not form problematic degradation products.

They offer high protection without the known risks to skin and the environment.

How V.SUN consciously avoids octocrylene 💛

At V.SUN, we are consistently pursuing this path.
Our formulations generally do not contain octocrylene or other critically discussed ingredients that could harm corals and oceans .

Instead, we rely on modern, stable UV filters and an innovative formula that combines effectiveness, skin compatibility and environmental awareness.

All V.SUN products are:

• 100% octocrylene-free

• Free from microplastics, nanoparticles, silicones & parabens

• dermatologically tested

• vegan

• Made in Germany

This is how sun protection is created that feels good and that you can trust.

Conclusion: Modern sun protection thinks ahead 🌿

Octocrylene is a prime example of a generation of UV filters that are increasingly being questioned today.
Modern formulations show that effective sun protection also works without ingredients that could harm the skin, the environment or the oceans.

With V.SUN you choose a conscious approach to sun exposure, with innovative formulas that protect, care and take responsibility.
For your skin. For the environment. And for feeling good every time you soak up the sun. ☀️💛

Learn more about our stance and commitment here .