What it is
A salicylate-based UVB filter, a clear oil with a mild odour.
What it does
Absorbs UVB and stabilises other UV filters in sunscreen formulas.
Why it’s a concern
The preliminary SCCS opinion SCCS/1622/20 (2021) concluded that homosalate at up to 10% in leave-on products is not safe, recommending a maximum of 7.34% for non-spray leave-on. The European Commission separately proposed reducing the permitted concentration in facial products to 0.5%. A 2022 revised SCCS opinion (SCCS/1653/22) found insufficient in vivo evidence to classify pure homosalate as an endocrine disruptor in humans. It was also absorbed above FDA MUsT thresholds in the 2020 JAMA study.
Also known as
HMShomomenthyl salicylate
CAS numbers
118-56-9
Commonly found in
sunscreenspf moisturiser
Safer alternatives
- non-nano zinc oxide
- non-nano titanium dioxide
Sources
- SCCS Opinion SCCS/1622/20
- Matta et al. 2020