2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (2-EHMC) is an ultraviolet B (UVB) blocker.1 Topical application of 2-EHMC prevents UV-induced edema and formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, a marker of DNA damage, in mouse skin. 2-EHMC is estrogenic, increasing uterine weight in female rats (ED50 = 934 mg/kg per day).2 It also induces bleaching of A. pulchra coral.3 Formulations containing 2-EHMC have been used as sunscreens.
1.Wolf, P., Yarosh, D.B., and Kripke, M.L.Effects of sunscreens and a DNA excision repair enzyme on ultraviolet radiation-induced inflammation, immune suppression, and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation in miceJ. Invest. Dermatol.101(4)523-527(1993) 2.Schlumpf, M., Cotton, B., Conscience, M., et al.In vitro and in vivo estrogenicity of UV screensEnviron. Health Perspect.109(3)239-244(2001) 3.Danovaro, R., Bongiorni, L., Corinaldesi, C., et al.Sunscreens cause coral bleaching by promoting viral infectionsEnviron. Health Perspect.116(4)441-447(2008)