- Functions:UV Absorber
- Benefit Claims:Sun Protection, Skin Protection
2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, also known as Octyl Methoxycinnamate and octinoxate. This compound of the cInnamate group of chemicals absorbs light with a wavelength from 290nm to 320nm, in the UVB range. Although we cannot see ultra violet light, it is part of the sun's spectrum, so we are exposed to it every day. Ultra violet is the component of light that causes keratosis (tanning), erythema (reddening), sunburn, and melanoma. This is because, as the wavelength of UV light is shorter than that of the visible spectrum, it has more energy and therefore can burn our skin. Ultra violet light has been categorized into three main sections. The wavelenth of ultra violet light is shorter than that of the visible spectrum, and UVC is the shortest, and also the most dangerous of the three. UVC's wavelength is from 100nm to 290nm, and lucky for us, the ozone keeps all UVC light off the surface of the Earth. UVB light, responsible for sunburn, has a wavelength from 290nm to 320nm. Scientists have not yet determined the full effects of UVA light on our health, but it is under suspicion as a potential cancer-causing agent. It takes hundreds of thousands of times more UVA light than UVB light to achieve the equivalent skin damage. UVA light has a wavelength from 320nm to 400nm.