Ingredient dictionary

Homosalate

Homosalate is an oil-soluble organic UV filter used in sunscreens to absorb UVB rays before they reach the skin. It is on the label of 12 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: homosalate belongs to the chemical UV filter group, which people with very sensitive skin, or anyone who wants a mineral-only sunscreen, often check for and avoid.

Chemical UV filters. Organic sunscreen filters such as avobenzone, octocrylene and homosalate.

What Homosalate does

Absorbs UVB rays
Helps dissolve other UV filters
Helps sunscreen spread smoothly on skin

Homosalate is a synthetic compound. Chemists make it in a lab by combining salicylic acid, a well-known skin-care ingredient, with a related alcohol. It belongs to the salicylate family of UV filters and absorbs UVB rays, the shorter rays that mainly cause sunburn.

Formulators like homosalate because it is oil-soluble, so it blends easily into the oily part of a sunscreen. It also helps dissolve other UV filters that do not dissolve well on their own, and it does not leave a white cast. It is usually used alongside other filters rather than alone, and it feels smooth rather than chalky.

Good for

Suits everyday sunscreen users who tolerate chemical filters well and want UVB coverage in a smooth, easy-to-spread formula.

Frequently asked questions

Is homosalate safe in sunscreen?

Homosalate is widely used in sunscreens, and most people tolerate it well. If your skin is very sensitive, try a small patch test first, and ask a dermatologist if you have concerns about any ingredient.

Is homosalate a mineral sunscreen filter?

No. Homosalate is an organic, or chemical, filter. It works by absorbing UV light. Mineral filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, work by sitting on the skin and scattering and reflecting UV light. Check the label if you want a mineral-only sunscreen.