Octyl Salicylate (Octisalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate)

Octyl Salicylate is found primarily in creams, lotions, spray and sticks used as sunscreens.

Patient may be allergic or photoallergic to Octyl Salicylate. If photoallergic, they may not react to the substance alone, but only with sun exposure. In either case contact with this substance and with related chemicals should be avoided. This includes homosalate. Avoidance requires reading labels of all sun-protective agents and other products listed below, package inserts, and on occasion, direct communication with the manufacturer. Products with oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, cinnamates, dibenzoylmethane, or PABA derivatives should be substituted.

Skin contact with Octyl Salicylate is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing Octyl Salicylate should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the US for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is no information ask your pharmacist or call the company directly. At work, request a material safety data sheet (MSDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.