Does homosalate disrupt hormones?

Studies have raised questions about hormone activity for homosalate, which prompted the EU's SCCS to reassess it. The EU lowered the maximum allowed concentration as a precautionary measure but concluded the ingredient remains safe for use at the revised lower limit.

Is homosalate banned or restricted?

Homosalate is not banned, but the EU lowered its permitted maximum concentration in cosmetics following an SCCS safety reassessment. It remains permitted at the revised limit in EU products.

Should I avoid homosalate in my sunscreen?

The published safety assessments have found homosalate acceptable at the regulated concentration levels. If you are concerned about hormone activity in sunscreen ingredients generally, mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are alternatives.

uv-filter

Homosalate

Limited concern·Moderate evidence

A UV-B filter used in sunscreens. After reassessing hormone-activity data, the EU lowered its permitted maximum concentration as a precaution, but concluded the ingredient remains safe for use at the new lower limit.

Worth knowing

Restricted in the EU

EU lowered the maximum allowed concentration of homosalate in cosmetic products following an SCCS safety reassessment; it remains permitted at the revised limit.

Questions

Does homosalate disrupt hormones?: Studies have raised questions about hormone activity for homosalate, which prompted the EU's SCCS to reassess it. The EU lowered the maximum allowed concentration as a precautionary measure but concluded the ingredient remains safe for use at the revised lower limit.
Is homosalate banned or restricted?: Homosalate is not banned, but the EU lowered its permitted maximum concentration in cosmetics following an SCCS safety reassessment. It remains permitted at the revised limit in EU products.
Should I avoid homosalate in my sunscreen?: The published safety assessments have found homosalate acceptable at the regulated concentration levels. If you are concerned about hormone activity in sunscreen ingredients generally, mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are alternatives.

Products with Homosalate

In our guides

Guides
Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: the plain comparison

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.