Is Homosalate Vegan? What Is Homosalate Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
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Homosalate is an organic carbon-based UV filter. It is a synthetic organic compound, which means that homosalate is vegan. It does not include any animal-based ingredients.

What Is Homosalate And Why Is It Used In Skincare? 

Homosalate is an organic compound of synthetic origin that absorbs UV rays. It is made of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Homosalate is used in skincare as sunscreen.

This carbon-based UV filter mainly absorbs UVB rays. Which are largely responsible for tanning, but also for sunburn as well as skin cancer. So homosalate is often a common component of sun protection products. 

However, homosalates are also found in other cosmetic products. Such as face creams and anti-aging skincare products. As the sun causes wrinkles and fine lines, this ingredient is often found in products specifically designed for mature skin.

In addition, the substance is also used in other cosmetic products. Homosalate has perfuming properties, so it provides a pleasant smell.

Homosalate is approved worldwide. It is biodegradable and does not bioaccumulate. In addition, it is not considered harmful to health. However, there are indications that the substance can impair hormonal balance by acting as an endocrine disruptor. 

So far, this assumption has not been scientifically proven. Still, there are some studies that indicate that homosalate can affect androgen and estrogen balance.

Homosalate is also not considered reef safe. So it might negatively impact coral reefs, as well as marine life.

FAQ About Homosalate

What is homosalate?

Homosalate is an organic compound of synthetic origin that absorbs UV rays. It is made of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Homosalate is used in skincare as sunscreen.

Is homosalate reef safe?

Homosalate is also not considered reef safe. So it might negatively impact coral reefs, as well as marine life.

Is homosalate harmful to the body?

Homosalate is not considered harmful to health. However, there are indications that the substance can impair hormonal balance by acting as an endocrine disruptor. So far, this assumption has not been scientifically proven. Still, there are some studies that indicate that homosalate can affect androgen and estrogen balance.

Is homosalate vegan?

Yes. Homosalate is vegan.

What is homosalate made of?

Homosalate is made of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Summary

Homosalate is a vegan chemical UV filter typically used in skincare as a sunscreen. Although it is vegan-friendly, it might not be best for hormonal health or marine life.

Chemical-synthetic UV filters such as homosalate are contained in many sun protection products. However, a lot of them are considered not reef safe.

The best way to avoid them is to buy organic sunscreen products that contain only natural ingredients or ingredients considered reef safe. These include, for example, mineral sunscreens.

To always be sure that your sunscreen is vegan, we recommend shopping at 100% vegan brands. 

Look also: Best Vegan Sunscreen Brands, Vegan Skincare Products

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.