Ethylhexyl Salicylate, also called Octisalate, is not automatically unsafe for seborrheic dermatitis, but suitability depends on the sunscreen formula and permitted use level. Despite the word salicylate, it is used as a UV filter rather than as the exfoliating salicylic acid found in some scalp treatments.

No reliable direct Malassezia effect was found for this ingredient. The surrounding solvents, emollients and fragrance may be more important for whether a sunscreen stings an active flare. If one product irritates you, try a different well-tolerated sunscreen rather than assuming all formulas with or without Octisalate will behave the same.