Homosalate – UV Filter in Sunscreens
Homosalate is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and cosmetic products. It absorbs UV-B radiation, helping to protect the skin from sunburn.
Wissenswertes über "Homosalate"
Homosalate is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and cosmetic products. It absorbs UV-B radiation, helping to protect the skin from sunburn.
What is Homosalate?
Homosalate (also known as homomenthyl salicylate or HMS) is a synthetically produced UV filter commonly used in sunscreens, lip care products, and other cosmetic formulations. It belongs to the class of chemical (organic) UV filters and is specifically designed to absorb UV-B radiation, which is the primary cause of sunburn.
Mechanism of Action
Homosalate absorbs UV-B radiation in the wavelength range of approximately 295 to 315 nanometres. When it absorbs this radiation, the molecule converts the energy into heat, which is then harmlessly dissipated. This process prevents UV radiation from penetrating deeper skin layers where it could cause DNA damage to skin cells.
Homosalate does not provide protection against UV-A radiation. Therefore, it is typically combined with other UV filters in sunscreen formulations to achieve broad-spectrum protection.
Use in Cosmetic Products
Homosalate is found in a wide range of products, including:
- Sunscreen creams and sprays
- After-sun products
- Day creams and moisturisers with SPF
- Lip balms with sun protection factor
- Make-up products with integrated sun protection
In the European Union, homosalate is approved as a UV filter in cosmetic products. According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009), the maximum permitted concentration is currently set at 7.34% (following a review by the SCCS in 2021, down from the previous limit of 10%).
Safety and Regulatory Assessment
The safety of homosalate has been evaluated by various authorities and scientific bodies:
European Union (SCCS)
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the EU published an opinion in 2021 concluding that homosalate is safe for consumers at concentrations up to 7.34%. At higher concentrations, potential concerns regarding systemic exposure were raised.
United States (FDA)
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognises homosalate as an active sunscreen ingredient, but further investigations into systemic absorption and potential endocrine effects are currently ongoing.
Endocrine Effects
Some laboratory studies have indicated that homosalate may exhibit weak hormone-like (endocrine-disrupting) properties. However, these effects have been observed primarily in cell culture experiments and animal studies. Whether these effects are clinically relevant in humans under normal cosmetic use conditions remains a subject of ongoing scientific discussion. Regulatory authorities currently consider the risk to be low at approved concentrations.
Skin Tolerability and Side Effects
Homosalate is well tolerated by most people. In rare cases, the following reactions may occur:
- Skin irritation or redness
- Contact allergies (rare)
- Photoallergic reactions (very rare)
Individuals with known hypersensitivity to salicylates or other UV filters should test tolerability before use.
Environmental Considerations
Homosalate has been detected in the environment, particularly in bodies of water. Studies show that the substance can accumulate in aquatic organisms. The environmental impact is currently being further investigated by various institutions. Some countries and protected areas -- especially coral reef regions -- recommend or require the use of sunscreens free from certain chemical UV filters.
References
- Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) – Opinion on Homosalate (2021). European Commission. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety
- European Commission – Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. Annex VI: List of UV filters allowed in cosmetic products.
- Krause M et al. – Sunscreens: are they beneficial for health? An overview of endocrine disrupting properties of UV-filters. International Journal of Andrology, 2012; 35(3): 424–436.
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Related search terms: Homosalate + Homosalat + Homomenthyl Salicylate + HMS