Octocrylene is a UV filter.1,2 It stabilizes the full-spectrum UVA blocker avobenzone to UV radiation.1 Octocrylene inhibits 17β-estradiol- or dihydrotestosterone-induced transactivation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) or the androgen receptor in S. cerevisiae expressing the human receptors (IC50s = 2.17 and 0.627 mM, respectively).2 Topical application of octocrylene (15 or 30% w/v) increases thymidine incorporation in a mouse local lymph node assay (LLNA), indicating allergenic activity.3 Octocrylene has been found in influent and effluent wastewater.4 Formulations containing octocrylene have been used in sunscreen products.
1.Beasley, D.G., and Meyer, T.A.Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen productsAm. J. Clin. Dermatol.11(6)413-421(2010) 2.Kunz, P.Y., and Fent, K.Multiple hormonal activities of UV filters and comparison of in vivo and in vitro estrogenic activity of ethyl-4-aminobenzoate in fishAquat. Toxicol.79(4)305-324(2006) 3.Karlsson, I., Broecke, K.V., M?rtensson, J., et al.Clinical and experimental studies of octocrylene's allergenic potencyContact Dermatitis64(6)343-352(2011) 4.Balmer, M., Buser, H.-R., Müller, M.D., et al.Occurrence of some organic UV filters in wastewater, in surface waters, and in fish from Swiss lakesEnviron. Sci. Technol.39(4)953-962(2005)