My sunscreen contains octyl methoxycinnamate ...

by shyma
(india)

Dear Mashubi

My sunscreen (SPF30) contains octyl methoxycinnamate and benzaphenone 3. Th rest of the ingredients mentioned on the pack are essential oils and herb extracts.

This sunscreen has not had any adverse effects on my skin. I have been using this everyday for over a year now with very good results.

I suddenly came across a webpage that talked about the harmful effects of octyl methoxycinnamate. I am a bit worried. Do you think I should continue using this product since it has worked for me so far?

Thanks.

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Our reply

Hi Shyma, thanks for your question. Each of us is faced with these kind of decisions daily, as we learn more about the effect of chemicals on our health. We are each unique and we need to listen to what our bodies, and our intuition are telling us, along with the research that tells us about the effects that these ingredients may have.

In each situation we need to balance out the risks involved with a questionable ingredient, versus the effects of using alternatives which may or may not work as well.

I do my best in my own health to be aware of what research is out there on the ingredients in skin care, and to then ask my body and my intuition what it would prefer. I've found that my body knows what it needs and this has actually saved me quite a bit of time and money!


There are many ways to attune to your body's wisdom. There are techniques that can help you to know which products, supplements or even foods are best for your body. They have different names such as kinesiology self testing, bio-energy testing, or body dowsing. I'll have more on this in an upcoming newsletter.

I try to stay away from getting fearful, and I encourage everyone to find the balance which works for them.

In your situation, you can do some research on this ingredient, focusing on more reliable sources of information. One that I use is at the Cosmetics Database, you can see their information on Octinoxate.

This information source, like most, are not perfect, but they do their best to assemble the information and research on different ingredients. They also have a useful sunscreen guide which they update every year, you will see the link on that page.

Our Sensitive Skin Sunscreen page shares some of my experiences in trying to find an effective sunscreen that does not contain the more irritating ingredients.

I hope this information is helpful to you in making a decision about whether you want to use sunscreens with octyl methoxycinnamate.