Ecamsule on your skin: a safety profile

What is ecamsule?

The IUPAC name is 1,1'-(1,4-phenylenedimethylene)bis(3,3-dimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-methanesulfonic acid).

Also known as: 1,1'-(1,4-phenylenedimethylene)bis(3,3-dimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-methanesulfonic acid), Mexoryl SX, TDSA, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid.

IUPAC name

1,1'-(1,4-phenylenedimethylene)bis(3,3-dimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-methanesulfonic acid)

CAS number

92761-26-7

Molecular formula

C26H32O8S2

Molecular weight

536.65 g/mol

SMILES

C1CCN(CC1)C2=NN(N=N2)CC(=O)NN=CC3=C(C=C(C=C3)Cl)Cl

PubChem CID

9566408

Regulatory consensus

2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Ecamsule. The classifications differ — that's the data.

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where you encounter ecamsule

• premium_sunscreen
• facial_sunscreen
• water_resistant_sunscreen
• eco_conscious_sunscreen

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Ecamsule:

• Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) — no systemic absorption
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×
• Newer-generation organic filters with lower skin penetration (e.g., bisoctrizole)
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
• UPF-rated clothing and physical sun protection
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions