Homosalate.
Also known as: homomenthyl salicylate, HMS, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate
A chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation. Used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics, homosalate is an endocrine disruptor that breaks down into more toxic byproducts under UV exposure.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Homosalate.
Low risk from a single application.
Repeated daily use leads to systemic accumulation above FDA safety thresholds.
Significant endocrine disruption concern. Mineral sunscreens are strongly recommended.
What the research says.
Disrupts estrogen, androgen, and progesterone signaling in cell studies.
Toxicology, 2004 — endocrine activity of UV filters
Breaks down under UV exposure into more toxic byproducts that penetrate the skin more deeply.
Absorbed through skin at levels exceeding FDA safety thresholds in clinical studies.
JAMA, 2020 — systemic absorption of sunscreen active ingredients
Global status.
How homosalate is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 15% as OTC sunscreen; FDA GRASE status under review.
Details
Max 7.34% (reduced from 10%) per Regulation 2022/2195.
Details
Max 10% as UV filter.
Details
Max 15% as UV filter.
Details
Permitted with limits under MHLW positive list.
Details
Max 10% as UV filter.
Details
Max 15% as active sunscreen (TGA).
Details
Max 10% per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
Max 15% per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted with limits.
Details
Max 10%, aligned with EU.
The reason brands include it.
Absorbs UVB rays and helps stabilize other UV filters like avobenzone. Lightweight and cosmetically appealing in formulations.
31
products in our database
12
brands use it
2
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose homosalate because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, non-nano mineral sunscreens deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Homosalate in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing homosalate.
Products Containing Homosalate
These popular products list homosalate in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full breakdown.
And 19 more products in our database.
Compared to Numbrrrz.
Here’s how the lowest-scoring product containing homosalate compares.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35
Neutrogena
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz products contain no homosalate or chemical UV absorbers. Our lip balms use Vitamin E for natural antioxidant protection without endocrine-disrupting sunscreen chemicals.
Quick answers.
Why is homosalate still allowed in sunscreen?
Does homosalate break down in the sun?
Is homosalate absorbed into the bloodstream?
Is homosalate an endocrine disruptor?
What is homosalate used for in sunscreen?
Does Numbrrrz use homosalate?
How these brands stack up.
Brands that use homosalate — see how they compare.