Ingredient guide
Homosalate in Sunscreen
What Homosalate does in sunscreen and how it's regulated.
About Homosalate
Homosalate is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as sunscreen.
Why brands use it in sunscreen
Absorbs UVB rays and helps stabilize other UV filters like avobenzone. Lightweight and cosmetically appealing in formulations.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: Approved up to 15%. FDA requested additional safety data in 2019; not yet classified as GRASE (generally recognized as safe and effective).
- European Union: Not on the EU prohibited list (some ingredients have concentration limits)
- Canada: Not restricted
Common alternatives
Other ingredients formulators use for a similar job in sunscreen:
zinc oxide
titanium dioxide
non-nano mineral sunscreens
Homosalate in other product types
FAQ
What is Homosalate?
Homosalate is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as sunscreen.
Why is Homosalate used in sunscreen?
Absorbs UVB rays and helps stabilize other UV filters like avobenzone. Lightweight and cosmetically appealing in formulations.
How is Homosalate regulated?
Approved up to 15%. FDA requested additional safety data in 2019; not yet classified as GRASE (generally recognized as safe and effective).
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain Homosalate?
No. Numbrrrz is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. That is a formulation choice, not a judgment about other products.
