Homosalate For Skin – Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

What Is Homosalate?

Homosalate is an organic compound made from salicylic acid. It is a yellow liquid and has a dense, oily texture. This ingredient is commercially used in the production and manufacturing of sunscreen as it protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation (1). It also may help treat sunburns, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Homosalate is also known as Homomenthyl Salicylate or HMS. It is made by the esterification (a chemical reaction leading to the formation of esters) of salicylic acid and 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanol.

Benefits Of Homosalate For Skin

• May Help Treat Heat Rashes
  We experience a lot of sweating in summers. The sweat glands could also get clogged by dirt. This leads to skin irritation, blisters, rashes, etc. Homosalate, when applied topically, may protect the skin from the harmful consequences of heat exposure. However, more direct research is warranted in this regard.

• May Help Treat Dry Skin, Sunburns, And Tanning
  Sunburns and tanned skin are also the consequences of a hot summer. Homosalate, as part of sunscreen lotions, may help moisturize skin and prevent sunburns.

• May Reduce Skin Cancer Risk
  Frequent exposure to UV rays may increase the risk of skin cancer. Homosalate acts as a UV filter (1). Its use may reduce skin cancer risk. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

When used with other agents, homosalate may offer complete protection from UV rays. These combinations can be well-observed in sunscreens. Using the right amount of sunscreen regularly can spare you from the potentially dangerous effects of sun exposure.

Quick Tip

While it is generally stable even when exposed to sunlight, its effectiveness can decrease over time due to photodegradation. So, avoid using the product beyond its expiry date and store it properly.

But before you pick a sunscreen containing homosalate, you must be aware of its potential adverse effects too.

Side Effects Of Homosalate

As beneficial as homosalate may be, it also has been scrutinized for its fair share of controversies. The ingredient is suspected to be an endocrine disruptor (2).

An endocrine disruptor is a substance that may negatively interfere with the endocrine system. A substance can be considered an endocrine if:

• There is a direct link between the ingredient and hormonal deregulation.
• Damaging effects are observed on human health after usage.

These side effects have proven to possibly manifest in some users of homosalate. This ingredient ought to be used with caution. Other potential adverse effects of homosalate include:

• Homosalate may show estrogenic activity (3).
• Homosalate may lead to the growth of breast cancer cells in rare cases. However, research is scarce in this regard.
• Homosalate is absorbable and may enter your bloodstream faster. In rare cases, it is thought to interrupt the functioning of your cells and organs. But research in this regard is very limited.
• Excess use of homosalate may affect your progesterone, estrogen, and androgen levels.

Quick Tip

Homosalate is not as water-resistant as some other sunscreen ingredients. Choose a sunscreen with added water resistance if you plan on swimming or engaging in any water activities.

Other potential side effects of homosalate include:

• Acne
• Inflammation
• Skin irritation
• Allergic reactions

Homosalate-based products have been barred from sale in a few countries. However, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety deems use of up to 0.5% of homosalate in cosmetic products safe (4).

How To Use Homosalate

Homosalate is widely incorporated in the manufacturing of sunscreens, lotions, sticks, creams, sprays, etc.

Apart from sunscreens, homosalate can also be spotted as an ingredient in a range of SPF products, moisturizers, bronzers, BB creams, fragrances, tanning oils, make-up powders, setting sprays, facial cleansers, and foundations.

Homosalate-based products are accessible and can be used by everyone except those with overly sensitive skin or pregnant women (to whom mineral-based sunscreens are recommended).

Saima, a skincare enthusiast and a blogger, shares her review of an SPF 50 sunscreen with homosalate as one of the main ingredients. She states, “Something I do like is that it doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin tone although it does apply with a milky appearance until absorbed and blended. My skin is left with a dewy nourished look after applying this sunscreen (i).”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homosalate banned in Europe?

The use of homosalate is restricted by the European Commission. It can only be used in face products (except propellant sprays) up to a maximum concentration of 7.34%.

Is homosalate reef-safe?

No, if the product contains homosalate, then it is not reef-safe. Homosalate is not good for reef environments.

Does homosalate cause itching?

Homosalate may cause itching if you are allergic to it. Itching and swelling are the common symptoms associated with homosalate allergies. Always do a patch test before applying homosalate-containing products for the first time.

Is homosalate safe?

It is considered safe in concentrations up to 15% in the USA, but prolonged exposure or absorption may lead to skin irritation (5). It may disrupt some hormonal functions when absorbed in significant amounts, so it is crucial to follow product guidelines and consult a dermatologist before use (6).

Can sunscreen cause acne?

Some sunscreen formulations may cause acne due to certain ingredients such as comedogenic oils like coconut oil, vegetable oils, or cocoa butter. Opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreens to minimize the risk of clogging pores and causing acne.

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Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. She has more than 25 publications in local and international journals to her name. She is passionate about public and patient education...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. Her interest in staying updated on beauty and lifestyle...more