For your skin
A UVB filter and formula stabilizer commonly paired with avobenzone. It helps broad-spectrum sunscreen keep working in sunlight, though people with a history of sunscreen photoallergy may prefer an alternative filter system.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
An oil-soluble UV filter that absorbs mostly UVB and short-wave UVA radiation. It is also used to slow the light-driven breakdown of avobenzone, helping a sunscreen maintain UVA protection during wear.
Why we tier this moderate
3 cited papers across 3 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 octocrylene 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.
Avenel-Audran M et al. Octocrylene, an emerging photoallergen. Archives of Dermatology. 2010;146(7):753-757 — multicenter clinical study characterized contact and photocontact allergy to octocrylene.
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.