For your skin
A supporting UVB filter in many lightweight chemical sunscreens. It helps a formula reach its labeled SPF, but it needs UVA partners such as avobenzone for broad-spectrum coverage.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
An oil-soluble salicylate UV filter that absorbs mainly UVB radiation. It converts absorbed ultraviolet energy into lower-energy heat and is combined with UVA filters because it does not provide broad-spectrum protection on its own.
Why we tier this moderate
3 cited papers across 3 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.
Cited research
Matta MK et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(3):256-267 — maximal-use study measured systemic exposure to homosalate and five other sunscreen actives.
Bens G. Sunscreens. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2014;810:429-463 — review of organic and inorganic sunscreen filters, their spectral roles, formulation, and safety considerations.
Kim TH et al. Percutaneous absorption, disposition, and exposure assessment of homosalate, a UV filtering agent, in rats. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health A. 2014;77(4):202-213.
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.