Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
ETH-ul-HEX-ul meth-OX-ee-SIN-ah-mate
What Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate?
A widely used organic UV-B filter that is the chemical name for Octinoxate. Provides sun protection for hair but has endocrine disruption and environmental concerns.
Source: Synthetic organic compound
Origin: Synthetic
Also known as: Octinoxate, OMC, Octyl Methoxycinnamate
What Does Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate Do to Your Hair?
Absorbs UV-B radiation to protect hair proteins and color from photodamage. Helps prevent the oxidation and lightening of hair color caused by sun exposure. Also used to protect product formulations from UV degradation.
Best For
Color-treated hair, sun-exposed hair
Not Recommended For
Sensitive scalp, those avoiding endocrine disruptors, reef-adjacent swimmers
Concentration Matters
1-5% in hair products
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Same concerns as Octinoxate: potential estrogenic activity in lab studies and coral reef toxicity. Banned in sunscreens in Hawaii, Palau, and the US Virgin Islands. Lower concentrations in hair products may reduce but not eliminate concerns.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA permits up to 7.5% in cosmetics. Banned in sunscreens in several jurisdictions due to reef toxicity.
EWG Score: 6/10
HairAide Verdict
The same ingredient as Octinoxate under its INCI name. Effective UV protection but the environmental and endocrine concerns are worth considering. Hair-specific UV filters like Polysilicone-15 are better alternatives.
Products That Contain Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Color-protect products, UV-protect hair sprays, leave-in conditioners
Alternatives to Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
If you want to avoid Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, look for products with these ingredients instead:
Polysilicone-15, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Frequently Asked Questions
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate has a safety rating of 5/10. It's generally acceptable but may cause issues for some hair types. Same concerns as Octinoxate: potential estrogenic activity in lab studies and coral reef toxicity. Banned in sunscreens in Hawaii, Palau, and the US Virgin Islands. Lower concentrations in hair products may reduce but not eliminate concerns.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is not CG-method approved. Curly hair types may want to avoid this ingredient or use products containing it sparingly.
No, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is not approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate include: Polysilicone-15, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
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