In recent years, the safety of sunscreens have been challenged based on the reports of its adverse effects on users; dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, photoallergic contact dermatitis. In the toxicological aspect, the need to investigate the safety of sunscreens is steadily increasing. However, there were few studies on the correlation between sun protection factor (SPF) and the safety of sunscreens. The objective of this study was to assess whether there was a correlation between SPF and the skin irritation index of sunscreens. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) was selected, which was the most frequently used (about 92% in korea and about 90% in the world) in sunscreens. In vitro SPF test was performed using the standard samples recommended by KFDA guideline. We examined primary and cumulative skin irritation and eye irritation of OMC standard sample as well as homosalate. As in vitro SPF was increased, skin irritation index was increased in primary skin irritation test ($r^2$=0.986) and cumulative skin irritation test ($r^2$=0.939). In addition, OMC was non-irritating and non-sensitizing. In this results, there was a good correlation between SPF index and skin irritation index.