An ester of salicylic acid and 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol, homosalate is a common ingredient in sunscreen formulates. Homosalate functions as a UV filter by absorbing UV rays when they reach the skin’s surface, preventing the rays from reaching the deeper layers of the skin and causing damage.
Roughly 45% of sunscreen products contain homosalate, and although it’s not an effective UV filter on its’ own, homosalate functions in conjunction with other sunscreen ingredients and photostabilizers to create formulas that offer broad spectrum protection. It’s one of the more effective sunscreen ingredients for absorption of UV rays.
Homosalate has hydrophobic properties that help users maintain water resistance. Because it has an oily texture, homosalate is able to remain stable on the skin without dissolving.