Ingredient · Organic UV Filter
Homosalate (Organic UV Filter)
INCI · Homosalate
Homosalate is a salicylate-family UVB filter that, like octisalate, also acts as a solvent for other filters. It appears on labels as 'Homosalate'. This long-established, relatively photostable UVB ingredient has historically been used at high proportions in sunscreens, with conditions of use set by regulatory frameworks. Klaris assesses this framework in its public context without alarmist language and does not state specific limits without sources. Homosalate is a UVB filter, requiring a complementary UVA filter for a broad spectrum. Its salicylate-derived structure makes contextual label reading appropriate for known salicylate sensitivity. For Klaris, proper assessment considers its solvent and UVB roles and the broad-spectrum balance as a whole.
i. Cosmetic Functions
Frequently Discussed Effects
The following headings summarise areas of effect frequently discussed in the literature; visible results in each area require regular use and a suitable formula.
UVB Absorption
An oil-soluble organic filter providing protection in the UVB range.
Filter Solvent
Acts as a carrier helping dissolve other solid filters in the formula.
Combination Context
A UVB ingredient assessed alongside UVA filters for broad-spectrum protection.
Mechanism
What Happens Within the Skin?
The following points summarise mechanisms from dermocosmetic literature in plain English. Klaris presents them as background information to help readers understand the context, not as medical claims.
Step 1
UVB Absorption
Absorbs UVB energy through its salicylate chromophore. It has no UVA effect, so requires a complementary filter.
Step 2
Solvent Role
Helps dissolve other solid organic filters in the oil phase, contributing to distribution and film quality.
Step 3
Relative Photostability
Salicylate filters are relatively durable, supporting the system without undermining light stability.
Step 4
History of High-Proportion Use
Historically used at high proportions, with conditions of use set by regulatory frameworks.
ii. Role in the Formula
How Is It Read on a Label?
Homosalate is among the UV filters regulated by cosmetic legislation; conditions of use are assessed within formula and market regulations. It generally appears with other filters for both protection and solvent functions.
A Closer Look · pH, Stability, Synergy
Homosalate absorbs UVB and, like octisalate, acts as a solvent for other filters. This dual role makes it common in classic organic sunscreens. Its relative photostability contributes to the system's light resistance. Historically used at high proportions, its conditions of use are defined by regulatory frameworks. Klaris does not state specific limits without sources, describing conditions in general, time-independent terms. Homosalate is a UVB filter; broad-spectrum coverage comes from complementary UVA filters such as avobenzone, Tinosorb or Uvinul A Plus. Some brands' reformulation trends relate to a shift towards newer-generation filters, not to homosalate being non-functional. Its salicylate family membership may cause confusion with salicylic acid (BHA), but homosalate is a UV filter, not an exfoliant. Individual sensitivity to organic filters may be reported in sensitive profiles; patch testing a new product is measured. Klaris considers current regulatory context, the filter combination and broad-spectrum balance as a whole.
Typical Concentration Range
Within conditions of use set by regulations
Ingredient Family
UV Filters
iii. Sensitivity Advisory
A Note on Extra Care in Context
Individual sensitivity to organic filters may be reported in sensitive profiles. Homosalate's defined regulatory conditions are not a judgement about use; considering your choices alongside your profile may help.
A sensitivity advisory is not an instruction for use; where individual health circumstances, pregnancy or known sensitivities are involved, discussing the decision with your doctor may be a more contextual approach.
Common Misconceptions
Frequently Confused Points
Common Belief
Homosalate is unsuitable because it is under regulatory review.
A More Contextual Reading
Reviewing a filter's conditions of use does not make it 'unsuitable'; regulatory frameworks may update conditions over time. This calls for contextual assessment, not alarm.
Common Belief
Homosalate provides sufficient sun protection alone.
A More Contextual Reading
Homosalate is UVB-focused and does not protect against UVA. Broad-spectrum coverage requires a complementary UVA filter.
Common Belief
Newer-generation filters are always better than homosalate.
A More Contextual Reading
Newer-generation filters may offer advantages in some respects, but 'always better' is not a sound generalisation. Choice depends on the complete formula, protection balance and profile.
Scientific Basis
Sources and Their Scope
The following headings indicate areas of research; they are not citations of a specific publication or confirmation that every statement on this page has been verified. The links provided should be read with their individual scope in mind.
- International INCI / CosIng database
- Regulatory authority documents (EU SCCS, TİTCK)
- Cosmetic ingredient safety assessment groups
TİTCK, SCCS and similar regulatory authorities are mentioned in the context of publicly available regulation; Klaris has no official endorsement, partnership or collaboration with these institutions.
Source Links
- Database RecordPubChem · Homosalate (CID 8362)
Database records provide ingredient identity and registration information; on their own, they do not establish the effect of a finished product or its suitability for a profile. Search links are not specific research papers.
v. UV Filters Family
Other Ingredients in the Same Family
Explore ingredients in the same functional family to deepen your reading of formulas.
vi. Academy · Related Reading
For a Closer Look
Klaris · Example Analyses
How Does Homosalate (Organic UV Filter) Feature
in Your Products?
Explore product examples to see the ingredient list, general assessment and match score that changes with the example profile together.
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