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Homosalate

What Homosalate is & what it does

A lipophilic UVB filter that also acts as a solvent, dissolving other oil-based filters into a stable, spreadable film. Its absorption is fairly weak on its own, so it is typically combined with stronger UVB and UVA filters rather than carrying the protection alone.

What is Homosalate?

Homosalate is a common oil-soluble chemical UVB sunscreen filter. It absorbs the burning wavelengths and also helps dissolve other filters in the oil phase of a formula.

Is Homosalate a UVA or UVB filter?

It is a UVB filter with little UVA coverage, so it is always combined with UVA filters to make a sunscreen broad-spectrum.

Is Homosalate safe?

It is an approved, long-used filter. The EU has tightened its allowed concentration (to 7.34%) as a precaution while reviewing absorption data, but it remains permitted and in wide use. If you prefer to avoid it, mineral sunscreens are an option.

Is Homosalate natural?

No, homosalate is a synthetic chemical UV filter, manufactured rather than found in nature. It is a salicylate-type filter used to absorb UVB, approved and widely used, with a precautionary EU concentration limit.

Is Homosalate safe to use during pregnancy?

Homosalate has no proven harm in pregnancy, but it is one of the filters with limited data and a precautionary EU concentration limit, so some people switch to mineral sunscreens while pregnant to be safe. There is no evidence it is a problem; it is about caution. Your doctor can advise on what suits you.

Sunscreens with Homosalate

We rate 1604 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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