What is the difference between Octyl methoxycinnamate and Isoamyl p-me

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Octyl methoxycinnamate (otherwise known as Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate or OMC) is a commonly used UV filter. In-vitro studies have shown that OMC has weak oestrogenic activity that could possibly affect hormone activity and levels in living cells and organisms.

Until sufficient evidence is available to prove its long term safety, Green People will not use OMC in any of our products. Instead, we use an ingredient called Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate (IMC). Whilst it sounds similar to Octyl methoxycinnamate this molecule has different properties. This is like taking two different people with the same surname – they may sound similar but they are quite different individuals. For one thing the molecular structure of IMC is larger than OMC which prevents it from penetrating the outer layer of the skin. This means that it cannot come into contact with living skin cells and therefore it is not considered to have photo-toxic effects when used on the skin. Secondly, this ingredient does not have any oestrogenic activity, unlike OMC.