Physical sunscreens typically rely on one or two active ingredients for sun protection.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, often use three or more active chemical ingredients to ensure broad UV spectrum coverage and compensate for ingredient instability caused by sunlight exposure.
If you're researching homosalate and its safety, you've come to the right place. Here, we'll answer:
- What is homosalate?
- Is homosalate safe for humans?
- Is homosalate reef safe?
Let’s dive in.
What is Homosalate?
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen ingredient that absorbs UVB rays and is responsible for sunburns on the skin's upper layer. However, it is not very effective as a standalone UV filter, offering an SPF of just 4 at a 10% concentration. Additionally, it is not photostable, meaning it degrades when exposed to sunlight. Homosalate is derived from salicylic acid; a compound often used to treat acne and remove dead skin layers.
Because homosalate only protects against UVB rays, it is usually paired with avobenzone or other UVA filters to provide broad-spectrum coverage in sunscreen products.
Unlike mineral-based ingredients such as zinc oxide, homosalate penetrates the skin instead of sitting on the surface. On product labels, it may also appear as Homomenthyl salicylate (HMS).
EWG Rating: 2-4 (1 best, 10 worst)
Is Homosalate Safe for Humans?
Research indicates that homosalate may act as a weak endocrine disruptor and degrades in sunlight, creating potentially harmful byproducts.
A study suggests it may interfere with hormone regulation and enhance the absorption of pesticides when combined with products like bug sprays. Once absorbed, chemicals like homosalate can enter the bloodstream and linger in the body.
Some lab studies have shown that homosalate exhibits endocrine activity, including estrogenic effects in human tissues, which could pose risks for pregnant women and others with sensitive hormone systems.
In 2019, the FDA released a study revealing that homosalate and other chemical sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed into the body after a single use, remaining detectable in blood and skin weeks after application. Despite these concerns, the U.S. FDA approves concentrations of up to 15% in sunscreen products, and the European Commission also allows its use with some restrictions.
All Waxhead sunscreens and skincare products are homosalate-free.
Studies have shown that homosalate exposure can accelerate the growth of breast cancer cells and may have similar effects on placental tissues. These findings underline the importance of avoiding this ingredient, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
Is Homosalate Safe for Kids?
Homosalate's potential risks for children are a significant concern. Research indicates that it can be absorbed into their bodies, with traces detected in urine samples following sunscreen use. Its potential to disrupt hormonal balance raises additional concerns about its safety.
To ensure safe sun protection for children, we recommend using zinc oxide sunscreens. Zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum UV protection by forming a physical barrier on the skin, avoiding the risks of endocrine-disrupting effects associated with chemical sunscreens like homosalate.
Zinc oxide-based sunscreens are gentle on sensitive skin, less likely to irritate, and free from petrochemicals in many traditional sunscreen products. Choosing a mineral-based sunscreen ensures safer, effective protection for delicate skin.
Is Homosalate Reef Safe?
Homosalate is a persistent pollutant that accumulates in marine environments. UV filters such as homosalate enter the ocean through swimmer runoff or wastewater and have been detected in fish, corals, and seabed sediment.
While more research is needed to understand homosalate's impact on marine life fully, existing evidence suggests that chemical UV filters can disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Although the term "reef safe" is not regulated, we advise avoiding homosalate in favor of mineral-based alternatives like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to minimize environmental harm.
NEXT STEPS
1. Know your ingredients — Flip over your sunscreen and read the ingredients. Knowledge is the first step to protecting your skin and your health.
2. Buy safe sunscreen — At Waxhead, we prioritize your safety by using only non-toxic, effective ingredients. Shop Safe Sunscreen here.
3. Teach a friend — Share this information with someone still using sunscreens containing potentially harmful ingredients.
Other Sources
https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/homosalate
https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/homosalate
