Can you continue to use products containing homosalate? Or should you practice caution and steer clear of them? Here, we discuss homosalate, its benefits, and potential side effects. Read on and make a wise choice.
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. However, there are various sunscreen side effects that you must understand before choosing one for yourself. Especially, before you pick a sunscreen containing homosalate, you must be aware of its potential adverse effects too. Scroll down to discover the side effects of Homosalate.
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.
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).” 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.
