Homosalate primarily functions as a filter of ultraviolet (UV) light in the UV-B range (280-315 nm). It has additionally been shown to suppress photosensitized singlet oxygen generation. It leads to increased interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-1ß release. Otherwise, it has been shown to have minimal intrinsic biologic activity and toxicity.
Homosalate (3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate) is an organic filter of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light. Its salicylic portion protects from light in the UV-B spectrum (280-315 nm). It is used worldwide in sunscreens and cosmetic products for its sun protective abilities.
There are no absolute contraindications to homosalate use based on available evidence. Individuals with a reaction to homosalate should avoid use of products containing it. Homosalate allergy is not traditionally associated with photoallergy.
There are no specific contraindications associated with AA. Patients experiencing contact allergy to AA should consult with a dermatologist. Options for treatment may include symptomatic topical treatment, application of barriers to reduce contact sensitization, discussion with the manufacturer about using products free of AA, or switching to alternative gear.2,4
Ebert KE, Griem P, Weiss T, et al. Toxicokinetics of homosalate in humans after dermal application: applicability of oral-route data for exposure assessment by human biomonitoring. Arch Toxicol. 2024;98(5):1383-1398.
Fukuchi S , Yagi M , Oguchi-Fujiyama N , Kang J , Kikuchi A . A novel characteristic of salicylate UV absorbers: suppression of diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate (Corapan TQ)-photosensitized singlet oxygen generation. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2019;18(6):1556-1564.
Gerberick GF, Ryan CA. A predictive mouse ear-swelling model for investigating topical photoallergy. Food Chem Toxicol. 1990;28(5):361-368.
Kim TH, Shin BS, Kim KB, et al. Percutaneous absorption, disposition, and exposure assessment of homosalate, a UV filtering agent, in rats. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2014;77(4):202-213.
Matta MK, Florian J, Zusterzeel R, et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial [published correction appears in JAMA. 2020 Mar 17;323(11):1098]. JAMA. 2020;323(3):256-267.
O’Keefe SJ, Feltis BN, Piva TJ, Turney TW, Wright PF. ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cells. Nanotoxicology. 2016;10(9):1287-1296.
Onyango DO, Selman BG, Rose JL, Ellison CA, Nash JF. Comparison between endocrine activity assessed using ToxCast/Tox21 database and human plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients/UV filters. Toxicol Sci. 2023;196(1):25-37.
Pantelic MN, Wong N, Kwa M, Lim HW. Ultraviolet filters in the United States and European Union: A review of safety and implications for the future of US sunscreens. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;88(3):632-646.
Saxe JK, Dean S, Jones RL, Mullins LA, Reynertson KA. Development of a novel rinse-off method for improved sunscreen exposure assessment. Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2021;17(5):961-966.
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