Homosalate cropped up in sunscreen research back in the 1940s when scientists chased ways to help people avoid painful sunburns. Back then, sun safety hardly made it into public conversation, as bronze skin stood for health and leisure. As people started realizing the dangers of UV radiation, researchers got to work on chemical filters that could absorb UVB rays. Homosalate took root in this early phase, providing an option that improved how lotions protected skin. Through the decades, regulations evolved and so did consumer expectations for both safety and texture. The push for sun care that feels good and works well comes out of this long history of tweaking, testing, and talking about what people actually use under the sun.
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen ingredient. It’s not new. It’s made for use in many over-the-counter sun protection products. The core job is to absorb short-wave UVB rays —the kind that make your skin burn. Most products that aim for broad-spectrum protection lean on a mix of UV filters, and homosalate plays a supporting role. It blends easily with emollients and sits well in water-resistant formulas. On labels, sunscreens with homosalate usually list it as one of the actives in combinations that keep up with modern SPF demands. Those working in the industry know that almost every product launch that offers non-greasy, lightweight application has at least considered homosalate for its feel and performance.
Homosalate comes as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid. Its melting point sits low, making it handy for blending, and it doesn’t tack up or dry to a film on the skin. Chemically, it goes by the name 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate. Its molecular formula is C16H22O3, clocking a molecular weight around 262 grams per mole. Solubility in oils is strong, water solubility is poor, and that guides how manufacturers set up their recipes. At the chemistry level, its structure allows it to soak up UVB rays and turn them into less harmful heat, which then disperses off the surface of the skin.
In the United States, homosalate is approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens at concentrations up to 15%. The European Union draws the line at 10%. On labels, its status must appear under “Active Ingredients.” Its use sits under strict guidelines in most regions, and companies have to provide documentation showing that the finished products meet photostability, safety, and efficacy standards. Product labeling often includes related safety instructions, such as recommended application amounts and reapplication frequency. Regulatory compliance teams keep up with ongoing research and shifting international standards to keep these labels honest and clear.
Manufacturers start with salicylic acid and react it with 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol using an esterification process. This usually happens under acidic conditions with the help of a strong acid catalyst and steady heat. Removal of water drives the reaction toward making homosalate. Established industrial processes lag behind only minor tweaks over the years, mostly targeting higher yield and less waste. Once the reaction is finished, steps follow to separate out and purify homosalate, stripping away anything unreacted. Most chemical plants producing homosalate run careful monitoring of raw materials and reaction conditions to keep product quality tight.
In industrial and research settings, chemists sometimes modify homosalate to test compatibility with new emulsifiers or to improve photostability. Homosalate itself holds up reasonably well in sunlight but not as robust as some newer agents. Some laboratories play around with additives or stabilizers that might fortify the molecule against breakdown when exposed to UV. Other research looks at analogues — tweaking the aliphatic ring or the ester group to find versions that hold up better or present lower risk for skin irritation. Complex reactions are rare outside niche experimentation, mostly because the current form suits commercial application so well.
On ingredient lists, homosalate also shows up under names like Homomenthyl salicylate or its systematic name, 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate. Different countries sometimes use established trade names or codes specific to their region’s rulings, but for most purposes in the United States and Europe, “Homosalate” is the go-to term. Sunscreen products often advertise “chemical UV filters” without detailing specific ingredient names on the front label, which can cloud clear consumer understanding unless one digs into the ingredients.
Globally, safety standards for homosalate follow the latest toxicological and environmental data. For decades, health agencies considered it generally safe at approved concentrations. The FDA, EMA, and others regularly review new findings for skin sensitivity, hormone activity, and potential for systemic absorption. Workplaces that manufacture or handle homosalate enforce ventilation and protective gear to cut back on inhalation or skin exposure. Waste streams from production sites run through treatment processes to break down residues before discharge. In the last few years, tighter scrutiny crept in from both regulatory bodies and advocacy groups who track environmental footprints, especially with increased awareness about sunscreen runoff in coastal regions.
Sunscreen is only the starting point. Homosalate ends up in lotions, sprays, moisturizers with SPF, powders, and lip balms. Some cosmetic brands look at its oil-like texture as a plus, using it to boost skin feel in daily wear products. Pick up any popular sun protection line and homosalate could be listed in a number of products targeted toward active lifestyles or water sports thanks to its nice solubility in oils. In my experience, most consumers pay more attention to broad claims about “broad spectrum” and “water resistant” than specific actives, but formulating chemists will usually choose homosalate for consistent texture and less whitening compared to mineral filters.
Active R&D teams monitor homosalate for photostability, skin absorption, and long-term environmental impact. There’s a strong focus right now on finding UV filters that last longer on the skin, break down less in sunlight, and pose less risk to aquatic life. Some studies peer into molecular tweaks, aiming to build filters that can join homosalate’s skin-feel with stronger protection against UVA, which homosalate only barely covers. Work also looks at new delivery systems, such as encapsulation, to improve safety and performance. Academic labs and industry partners both work on alternative synthetic routes to reduce byproducts during manufacture, driven by both cost and pressure from green chemistry initiatives.
Toxicologists check homosalate’s safety with repeat-dose studies on skin irritation, sensitization, and hormone-disrupting activity. Animal studies usually guide the earliest findings, followed by human volunteer patch tests. Older reviews find homosalate to be low in skin toxicity, but critics cite evidence of weak hormonal effects at high doses in animal models. Regulatory authorities review these findings and set maximum allowed concentrations based on margins of safety that account for typical consumer use—not far-off worst-case exposures. Environmental toxicology has also stepped in, since sunscreen ingredients are showing up in surface waters and some coral species, so new research includes more attention to how these chemicals break down outside the body.
The outlook for homosalate brings both promise and pressure. More UV filter options are reaching the market, so formulators keep asking whether to stick with tried-and-true actives or switch to newer technologies. Changing rules in the U.S. and Europe will push companies to rethink concentrations and even swap ingredients entirely based on updated safety science. Consumer habits keep shifting too. People want hassle-free sun care but ask more detailed questions about safety, sourcing, and what happens to sunscreen once beach-goers swim in the ocean. Many manufacturers and regulators respond by funding broader environmental impact tests alongside human health assessments, hoping the next generation of sun care can keep up with both demand and responsibility. Keeping homosalate in the fold relies on strong evidence from ongoing studies, balanced communication from brands, and flexibility from the regulatory side that adapts as new data emerges.
Step into the sunscreen aisle and you might notice names on the label that sound scientific and hard to remember. Homosalate shows up often in the ingredient list, usually in formulas from major drugstore brands and global beauty companies. It's not some obscure chemical tucked away in just niche bottles. In fact, over-the-counter retailers keep stocking it partly because regulators in North America and parts of Asia have given it the green light within certain concentration limits.
Most sunscreens rely on a small army of filters to block out harsh UV rays. Homosalate falls under the UVB filter family, offering a shield against part of the spectrum that causes sunburns and increases the risk of skin cancer. I’ve used those classic white, slightly greasy lotions on family holidays, never paying close attention to what gave each product its power. Only after reading dermatologists' advice did I learn that ingredients like homosalate don’t work alone. They back up newer filters and help formulas last longer in strong sun or after swimming.
Doctors and skincare experts keep stressing that New Zealand and Australian summers demand broad protection, thanks to intense sunlight. In Europe, people also prize strong filters. Homosalate helps developers meet government standards for SPF ratings, letting companies advertise that their products pass safety tests. It often works as a team player alongside octocrylene, avobenzone, and other UV blockers.
Lately, health advocates and scientists have raised red flags about the potential downsides. Studies from independent labs show that homosalate can seep into skin and linger in blood for longer periods than many originally thought. The main worry comes from lab tests linking the compound to enzyme disruption and hormone balance—effects spotted in animals exposed to high doses. In Europe, health authorities flagged these issues years ago, setting tough limits on how much brands can put into a bottle.
American regulators at the FDA recognize these gaps in research. As a result, the agency now asks for updated safety data before granting new approvals or raising concentration limits. This push for transparency matches a global trend—shoppers want to know more about what touches their skin, and researchers want real answers about long-term health.
Nobody wants to stop protecting their skin. Melanoma rates, especially in sunny climates, keep going up. People need sunscreen that works, feels comfortable, and doesn’t come with hidden risks. Many dermatologists suggest using physical blockers—like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—when worried about synthetic filters. These minerals create a literal barrier on skin, and tests show much lower absorption into the bloodstream.
Sunscreen research keeps evolving. Several big brands are investing in next-generation filters from Japan and Europe that promise strong protection without raising safety questions. Other companies keep developing spray, stick, and gel formulas that blend safer ingredients. Some local pharmacies now carry mineral-based sunscreens for kids and families with sensitive skin—signs that the market responds to health concerns over time.
Homosalate’s story isn’t finished. Its widespread use comes from proven UVB protection, yet ongoing studies and changing regulations prove that no sunscreen ingredient is above scrutiny. Smarter choices come from open labeling, steady research, and more accessible alternatives for everyone.
Look at the back of a typical sunscreen bottle, and you might spot Homosalate on the list. This ingredient finds its way into plenty of sun-protection products because it helps absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays, aiming to prevent sunburn and skin damage. The question pops up more as health-conscious shoppers check ingredients and want to protect their skin without worrying about side effects.
Homosalate’s job: filter out UVB rays. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows sunscreen companies to use it up to a concentration of 15%. In Europe and Canada, regulators pulled back, limiting Homosalate to 10% or less because of new concerns about how it builds up in the body.
Scientific studies have flagged that Homosalate can get absorbed through the skin. Several trials from the past decade measured its presence in blood and urine after repeated use. While researchers haven’t pinned clear human harm on typical sunscreen levels, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee has worried about possible hormone interference over long-term exposure. Some animal experiments pointed to hormone disruptions with high doses, especially affecting estrogen and androgen levels, which play big roles in human growth and reproductive health.
People trust sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer—a real, proven risk from too much sun. Melanoma rates keep climbing, so skipping sunblock almost guarantees trouble for unprotected skin. Homosalate boosts how well a sunscreen blocks sun damage, especially when paired with other filters. So, for some, the reassurance of sunburn control outweighs the theoretical risk from trace chemical absorption.
My own summer memories bring up family pool parties, blinding sunlight, and bottles of sunscreen—rarely did anyone check the label. Stories changed with more research and more transparency. Now, younger folks ask questions, sharing links on social media about chemical filters and possible long-term hormone disruption, especially for kids and pregnant women.
Dermatologists and chemists urge perspective. They remind people that current rules set ingredient limits based on rigorous assessment. The FDA, Health Canada, and the European Medicines Agency regularly review new evidence. The Environmental Working Group, which promotes consumer safety, rates Homosalate as a “moderate hazard,” but corrections and discussions happen in the scientific world as new research arrives.
Doctors argue that not using sun protection carries bigger public health risks than the small chance of hormone interference from usual sunscreen use. That said, regulatory organizations in Europe now ask manufacturers to keep levels under 10%, reflecting new risk data and a “better safe than sorry” approach.
Those worried about chemical filters like Homosalate have options. Products that swap Homosalate for minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide offer just as much sun protection without similar questions about hormone disruption and absorption. Reading ingredient lists can help parents choose what feels right for themselves and their children.
Skincare, like much in health, balances comfort, evidence, and individual need. Healthy skepticism and research matter. Skin cancer scars and sun-damaged skin don’t heal with regret, but if you want less chemical load, it’s reasonable to swap to mineral sunscreens or reduce extra chemical exposures by covering up and seeking shade.
If you pick up any random sunscreen bottle and check the ingredients, there’s a good shot you’ll see “homosalate” on that label. Its job? To absorb the sun’s UVB rays and help shield skin from burns. I’ve noticed that it pops up in a lot of the sprays and lotions designed for daily use, particularly ones that market themselves for sensitive skin. As sunscreen became part of my daily routine, learning about these ingredients felt less like a niche concern and more a matter of protecting myself and my family from the long-term dangers of sun exposure.
The FDA acts as the ultimate stamp of approval or concern for ingredients in the stuff we use on our bodies. In the United States, the FDA has no formal “approval” for sunscreen ingredients in the same way they do for new drugs. Instead, they label certain compounds as GRASE — Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective — based on public data and testing. Homosalate got listed among these approved filters decades ago and was allowed up to 15% concentration in commercial products. This led to major sunscreen brands using it widely in their formulas.
Things got more complicated in recent years. As science has improved, both the FDA and outside researchers started finding signals that homosalate builds up in the body over time and could mess with hormones. In 2019, the FDA released a draft proposal that listed only two UV filters — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — as “definitely GRASE”. Homosalate did not make that narrow list. Instead, it fell into a kind of gray area: still allowed in products while the agency gathers more data on its long-term effects. The European Commission has gone a step further, flagging safety questions and pushing for much lower allowable levels than in the US.
For those of us slathering on this stuff daily, this uncertainty doesn’t feel small. Sun exposure brings very real risks: skin cancer, painful burns, and visible aging. But trading those dangers for possible hormone disruption from the chemicals we use to protect ourselves? That's a tradeoff nobody wants to make. Studies in the past five years have raised big enough questions that the scientific community keeps debating the safest path. Hormones influence everything from reproductive health to mood swings, so it isn’t just a minor detail for consumers.
Some friends who heard about this started hunting for sunscreens with only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients create a physical barrier, and the FDA has marked them as fully safe. This switch isn’t always simple. Mineral sunscreens sometimes feel greasy or leave a white cast, especially on darker skin. The price also tends to run higher. Still, with more attention on this topic, brands have been working to create formulas that are lighter and more blendable. I’ve found a few newer ones at local stores that check all the boxes, so the options exist if you look around.
The FDA has asked for extra safety data from manufacturers. Until new guidance comes out, US brands can keep using homosalate, but consumers who want certainty may turn to the two mineral filters. If you use sunscreen every day, take a moment to flip the bottle and read the label. Paying attention to the details gets more important as new science comes out, and voices from dermatologists and researchers continue to shape the conversation.
Walk through the aisles of any drugstore and you’ll spot sunscreen bottles lined up like soldiers, each promising broad-spectrum protection. Flip a few around and the word “homosalate” pops up often. This ingredient, a UV filter, pops up in lotions targeting folks who want simple, affordable sun protection. Homosalate, straight from the lab to the beach bag, rarely causes much fuss in the ingredient world—at least at first glance.
Not everyone walks away from a beach day with just a tan or a sunburn. Some go home rubbing red, itchy skin. Dermatologists have flagged homosalate as a possible skin sensitizer, though most people never react. Rare cases exist—someone tries a new sunscreen, then sees a rash creeping over exposed areas. A 2021 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology linked allergic reactions to about 1% of patch-tested patients sensitive to homosalate. Not a huge number, but those unlucky enough to react won’t soon forget it.
Years ago, my sister grabbed a “for sensitive skin” sunscreen before a river trip and ended up with hives around her jaw and on her arms. She’d never had trouble with beauty products before. Homosalate was buried about halfway down the label. Her dermatologist ran a patch test and found a reaction. We didn’t expect such a common ingredient to trigger a rash, but allergy is sneaky—what most people use daily might still trip up a few.
A study published by the European Commission found that homosalate didn't usually cause problems in average populations. Still, the risk appears real for those with eczema or a history of allergies to fragrances or other chemical sunscreens. Bodies react to triggers in ways no company can predict. Once sensitization happens, even small exposures bring on symptoms. This is why the Food and Drug Administration demands regular safety checks on all UV filters—including homosalate.
Sun protection shouldn’t mean trading cancer risk for chronic rashes. Brands could swap to zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for people with eczema or multiple allergies, avoiding chemical filters that sometimes lead to trouble. European markets set stricter caps on homosalate's allowed concentrations, which cuts down on risk without forcing the ingredient off shelves entirely.
For anyone worried about allergic reactions, the patch test can save a lot of discomfort. Dab a drop on the inner forearm for a day before slathering on a whole face or armful. If a rash pops up, that sunscreen doesn’t belong in the lineup. Reading ingredient lists gets easier with practice—and it’s worth checking every new product, because companies reformulate often.
People want skin care they can trust—and clear, straightforward labeling offers that trust. Some cases will slip through; no system catches every risk. Still, with a little caution, most sunbathers steer clear of trouble, even if their favorite lotion contains homosalate. Policymakers and brands should keep listening to patient reports and studies, willing to pull back on any ingredient that tips into risk for vulnerable folks.
Step inside any pharmacy or supermarket, and you’ll spot shelves lined with sunscreens. Most of those labels include long chemical names. Among them, you’ll often see homosalate. This ingredient has a job: it helps to keep your skin safe from the burn of the sun, especially the UVB rays that cause damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Homosalate acts as a filter in many sun protection products, usually in strengths around 4% to 15%. Big global brands use it in their formulas, so if you pick up a bottle of mass-market sunscreen — spray, lotion, or stick — you’re likely putting homosalate on your skin without realizing it.
Lots of daily personal care products work sun protection into their formulas. Makeup foundations, tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and setting sprays often blend in homosalate. These products cater to people who want some defense against incidental sun exposure during everyday routines. Even some face moisturizers meant for daytime use rely on this chemical to hit those crucial SPF ratings. If a product promises SPF on the front, scanning the ingredients on the back might turn up homosalate.
During one summer trip to a big box store, I stood in the skin-care aisle for almost thirty minutes, reading ingredient lists. I wanted a sunscreen that didn’t leave a greasy film and wouldn’t irritate my skin. Over and over, I found homosalate. It appeared in familiar drugstore brands, but also in more expensive facial sunscreens. Even a men’s aftershave balm, labeled “UV Defense,” carried it in a short list of active ingredients. My experience reflects the reality most shoppers face: if you use sun protection in any form, chances are you’ve rubbed homosalate into your skin.
Recent studies have raised questions about how homosalate interacts with skin and hormones. In 2020, the European Commission suggested limits on its use after safety reviews pointed to potential for hormone disruption at high concentrations. In the United States, the FDA still allows its use at up to 15%, but asks for more data on long-term safety. Health advocates worry because a chemical you put on large parts of your skin should have solid assurances behind it. Consumers today face mixed messages — some health experts urge swapping out certain chemical filters, while others focus on the clear benefits of avoiding sunburns.
Choosing a sunscreen without homosalate takes some effort. Mineral sunscreens rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead, but can feel heavier or leave a white cast. Brands responding to customer concerns have started labeling “homosalate-free” options, though these products don’t fill every shelf just yet. Reading the active ingredients list is the surest way to know what you’re buying. For people with sensitive skin or those who want fewer synthetic chemicals in their routine, focusing on mineral sunscreens or products advertised specifically as free of homosalate may better fit personal values.
The push for clearer labels and responsible ingredient choices isn’t just a fad. People care what goes on their skin, especially when alerted to possible health risks. Regulators, researchers, and brands all share a stake in making honest information easy to find. Homosalate’s presence in so many daily care items shows just how much trust shoppers place in the people who make and sell them. No one wants surprises in their sunscreen, especially where health is concerned. Open ingredient lists make it possible for everyone to choose what feels safest for their own body and lifestyle.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate |
| Other names |
Homomenthyl salicylate
HMS |
| Pronunciation | /ˈhoʊ.məˌseɪ.leɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | “118-56-9” |
| Beilstein Reference | 1840673 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:5107 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL15730 |
| ChemSpider | 22210 |
| DrugBank | DB11195 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100000-304-6 |
| EC Number | 249-678-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 88336 |
| KEGG | C11410 |
| MeSH | D006719 |
| PubChem CID | 24816 |
| RTECS number | GU2275000 |
| UNII | V6V46N82M5 |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C16H22O3 |
| Molar mass | 316.446 g/mol |
| Appearance | white or pale yellow, oily liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.005 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 4.398 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.001 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 16.00 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 16.00 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -75.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.510 |
| Viscosity | Viscous liquid |
| Dipole moment | 4.74 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −721.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -10495.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D02BA12 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P272, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P362+P364, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0-NFPA |
| Flash point | 113.9 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 450 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 5,800 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | > 5,800 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | RN 118-56-9 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 15% |
| REL (Recommended) | 15% |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Salicylic acid
Octyl salicylate Triethanolamine salicylate Ethylhexyl salicylate |
