Octinoxate: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, OMC) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVB. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (up to 7.5%). In the United States it is an approved OTC sunscreen active ingredient (up to 7.5%). In the EU it is allowed (up to 10%).
| INCI name | Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, OMC |
| Name on Korean labels | 에칠헥실메톡시신나메이트 |
| CAS number | 5466-77-3 |
| Protects against | UVB |
Where Octinoxate is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ up to 7.5% | |
| United States | ✓ up to 7.5% | |
| European Union | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 10% |
| Japan | ✓ up to 20%* | |
| China | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Canada | ✓ up to 7.5% | Maximum Concentration Permitted : ≤ 7.5% |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 10% |
| Taiwan | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% |
✓ = allowed as a UV filter, with the maximum concentration in the finished product. * = the limit depends on product type (see the filter page). ✗ = banned. — = no entry in the official list compiled by Korea's MFDS (for the US this means it is not an approved sunscreen active; for other regions, check the regulator's own list).
Source: Korea MFDS "Cosmetic ingredients with use restrictions" (international regulations compiled by MFDS, data.go.kr), refreshed weekly; US changes checked against FDA orders (October 2026). Regulations change — confirm with the regulator before formulating or importing.
Checking a Korean sunscreen
Korean ingredient lists use the Korean name above (에칠헥실메톡시신나메이트). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.