For your skin
A supporting UVB filter that improves both protection and formula feel. It is rarely the star of a sunscreen, but it helps the complete filter blend deliver the SPF printed on the bottle.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
An oil-soluble salicylate that absorbs UVB radiation and also helps dissolve other crystalline sunscreen filters. Its UV protection is modest by itself, so formulators use it as part of a multi-filter broad-spectrum system.
Why we tier this moderate
2 cited papers across 2 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.
Cited research
Matta MK et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(3):256-267 — maximal-use study measured systemic exposure to octisalate and five other sunscreen actives.
Bens G. Sunscreens. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2014;810:429-463 — review of organic and inorganic sunscreen filters, their spectral roles, formulation, and safety considerations.
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.