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Ingredient · INCI reference

Homosalate

a.k.a. Homosalate

CAS 118-56-9

Homosalate is an older organic UVB filter that is photostable but only covers part of the UV range. It is approved in the US up to 15% and in Japan and Korea up to 10%, while the EU has restricted it to 7.34% due to endocrine concerns. Available data flags it as a potential endocrine disruptor.

Legacy organic Pre-2000 chemical filters; broadly approved. Gen · old organic
01 Spectrum coverage UVB
UVB 290–320nm UVB (290–320nm) — covered UVA-II 320–340nm UVA-II (320–340nm) — not covered UVA-I 340–400nm UVA-I (340–400nm) — not covered
02 Regional approval · max %
JP ✓ 10% Japan: Approved · max 10% KR ✓ 10% South Korea: Approved · max 10% EU ! 7.34% Europe: Restricted · max 7.34% US ✓ 15% United States: Approved · max 15%
03 Safety profile
EWG score
4
Reef-toxic
No
Endocrine disruptor
Yes
Comedogenicity
0
Reference

Frequently asked questions

Why did the EU lower the Homosalate limit?

The EU restricted it to 7.34% based on endocrine concerns. Available safety data here also flags it as an endocrine disruptor, which is the main reason the EU cap is much lower than the US 15% limit.

Does Homosalate cover UVA?

No. It absorbs UVB only, so a formula relying on Homosalate must include separate UVA filters to be broad-spectrum. It is rarely used as the sole UV filter.

Is Homosalate photostable?

On its own it is considered photostable in this data, which is part of why it is still widely used as a solvent and UVB booster, especially in US sunscreens.

Is it reef-safe?

Available data does not flag Homosalate as reef-toxic, though it is an endocrine-flagged organic filter, so mineral-only formulas are still common for reef-sensitive use cases.

Products in catalogue

Containing Homosalate