Recently, with the continuous rise of consumers’ sun protection awareness worldwide and the growing variety of outdoor scenarios, demand for highly effective, stable and compatible sunscreen raw materials has been surging. As a classic and widely used organic UV filter, Homosalate holds a core position in sunscreens, daily moisturizers, outdoor protection products and other categories, thanks to its precise UVB protection, excellent formulation compatibility and water/sweat resistance. It has become an indispensable key raw material for the global sun care industry.
Homosalate (CAS No.: 118-56-9), chemically known as 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate, has a molecular formula of C₁₆H₂₂O₃ and a molecular weight of 262.35. It appears as a colorless transparent liquid with a mild menthol-like odor, a density of 1.05 g/cm³, a refractive index ranging from 1.516 to 1.518, a flash point of 169–173 °C, and a vapor pressure of only 0.015 Pa at 25 °C, exhibiting stable chemical properties. As an oil-soluble ingredient, homosalate is practically insoluble in water (solubility < 0.1 g/100 mL at 26 °C) and slightly soluble in solvents such as chloroform and dimethyl sulfoxide. Its hydrophobic structure delivers excellent water and sweat resistance, making it highly suitable for outdoor and sport sunscreen formulations.
The core value of homosalate lies in its dual functional properties: high‑efficiency UVB protection and formulation stabilization, coupled with good skin tolerance suitable for diverse skincare applications. This is the key reason for its long‑standing dominance in the market. As a professional chemical UV filter, it operates by absorbing ultraviolet energy through the salicylate group in its molecular structure, converting harmful UV radiation into harmless thermal energy and thereby protecting the skin.
Precise and efficient UVB protection is the primary function of homosalate. Its ultraviolet absorption band is concentrated at 295–315 nm, corresponding to medium‑wave ultraviolet (UVB), the main cause of sunburn, redness, peeling and, with prolonged exposure, accelerated skin aging and elevated skin cancer risk. Homosalate selectively targets this UVB range, effectively blocking damage to the epidermal layer and forming a robust UVB defense barrier for the skin. Clinical data shows that incorporating an appropriate amount of homosalate into sunscreen formulations significantly boosts the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), providing reliable defense against sunburn for daily commuting, outdoor activities, sports and other UV‑exposed scenarios.
As a formulation stabilizer and solubilizer, homosalate plays an irreplaceable role in sunscreen products. Modern sunscreens typically combine multiple UV filters to achieve broad‑spectrum protection. However, many high‑efficiency UVA filters (such as avobenzone) exist as crystalline solids at room temperature, making direct incorporation difficult and prone to recrystallization during storage or use, which severely reduces efficacy and causes uneven texture. Leveraging its outstanding solubilizing capacity, homosalate serves as an ideal solvent for such crystalline UV filters, keeping them stably dissolved in the oil phase, preventing crystallization, and preserving consistent and stable SPF performance. Meanwhile, its liquid form improves product texture, resulting in lighter, non‑greasy sunscreens with enhanced sensory appeal.
Excellent compatibility and skin tolerance further expand the application scope of homosalate. It shows outstanding compatibility with other organic UV filters (such as octocrylene, titanium dioxide), moisturizing agents, antioxidants and various skincare raw materials. It can be flexibly formulated into sun care products with different SPF levels and usage scenarios, including daily moisturizing sun milk, high‑protection outdoor sunscreens, water‑ and sweat‑resistant sport sunscreens, pediatric sunscreens, and lip balms with sun protection. Its mildness has been validated through long‑term market use; it is well‑tolerated by most skin types with very low irritation, suitable for normal, sensitive and other skin conditions. Furthermore, its water‑ and sweat‑resistance ensures durable sun protection during outdoor activities and high‑sweat sports, delivering all‑day UV defense for consumers.
Notably, global regulatory standards for homosalate are becoming increasingly refined. Starting in July 2025, the EU will limit the maximum permitted concentration of homosalate to 7.34% in facial sunscreens (excluding propellant sprays) and 0.5% in body sunscreens. The US FDA currently allows a maximum concentration of 15% in sunscreens but is still collecting additional safety data and has not yet classified it as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE). In response, industry players are actively pursuing technological innovation, including the development of homosalate derivatives and optimized formulation blending strategies. These efforts aim to comply with regulatory requirements while further enhancing photostability and protective performance. For instance, the dedicated homosalate derivative developed by Shiseido in July 2023 achieved simultaneous improvements in skin penetration and protective properties.
Homosalate are now available for purchase at Xi’an Biof -Technology Co., Ltd. For more information , visit https://www.biofingredients.com.
XI'AN BIOF BIO-TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD
Email: Tom@xabiof.com
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Website: https://www.biofingredients.com
Post time: Feb-04-2026
