At a glance
| Chemical family | UV filter — salicylate derivative (homomenthyl salicylate) |
| CAS number | 118-56-9 |
| Classification | Not IARC classified. Estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity demonstrated. EU SCCS opinion (2021) concluded not safe at 10%, recommended maximum 7.34%. FDA GRASE status pending |
| Where you encounter it | Sunscreens (UVB filter); SPF moisturisers; lip products with SPF; foundation with SPF; transfers to bedding from skin application |
| Sleep micro-environment relevance | Transfers from skin to pillowcases and sheets during sleep. One of the UV filters under active regulatory review for endocrine-disrupting properties |
Regulatory & certification status
| European Union | Currently permitted up to 10% in cosmetics (Annex VI). SCCS opinion (2021) concluded not safe at 10%; recommended maximum 7.34%. Regulatory amendment pending. Regulatory |
| United States | FDA permitted up to 15% in OTC sunscreens. GRASE determination pending under 2019 proposed rule — FDA requested additional safety data. Regulatory |
| Canada | Health Canada permitted up to 15% in sunscreens. No revision pending. Regulatory |
| International | Not IARC classified. Danish Centre on Endocrine Disrupters classified as an endocrine disruptor. Under active review in the EU. Regulatory |
What it is
Homosalate (homomenthyl salicylate, HMS) is a salicylate-type UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation. It has been used in sunscreens since the 1960s. IARC has not evaluated homosalate. The EU SCCS reviewed homosalate in 2021 and concluded that it is not safe for consumers at the currently permitted concentration of 10% in cosmetic products, recommending a reduction to 7.34%. This recommendation was based on evidence of endocrine-disrupting activity: homosalate disrupts estrogen, androgen, and progesterone receptor signalling in in vitro assays. It also has anti-androgenic activity. The Danish Centre on Endocrine Disrupters classified homosalate as an endocrine disruptor based on multiple lines of evidence. FDA included homosalate among UV filters requiring additional safety data under its 2019 sunscreen proposed rule.
Where it shows up in bedding
Homosalate enters the bedroom through the same transfer pathway as other UV filters: application of sunscreen or SPF-containing moisturiser to skin during the day, followed by transfer to pillowcases, sheets, and mattress surfaces during overnight contact. Homosalate is commonly used in combination with other UV filters (octinoxate, octocrylene, avobenzone), so multiple UV filter residues typically co-occur on bedding. The amount transferred depends on the product concentration, skin area treated, and time between application and bed. Regular pillowcase laundering and face-washing before bed reduce residue accumulation.
Citations
- SCCS (2021). Opinion on Homosalate (CAS 118-56-9). SCCS/1622/20. Source Regulatory
- Krause, M. et al. (2012). Sunscreens: are they beneficial for health? An overview of endocrine disrupting properties of UV-filters. International Journal of Andrology, 35(3): 424-436. Source Peer-reviewed
- FDA (2019). Proposed Rule: Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. Source Regulatory
Frequently asked questions
Is homosalate safe in sunscreen?
The EU SCCS concluded in 2021 that homosalate is not safe at the currently permitted concentration of 10% in sunscreens, and recommended lowering the limit to 7.34%. In the US, the FDA has requested additional safety data and the GRASE determination is pending. Homosalate has demonstrated endocrine-disrupting activity in laboratory studies. However, the benefits of UV protection from sunscreen use generally outweigh the risks — the question is which UV filters to use, not whether to use sunscreen.
Does homosalate accumulate on bedding?
Yes, UV filter residues including homosalate transfer from skin to pillowcases and sheets during sleep and accumulate between washes. Washing pillowcases at least weekly and washing the face before bed reduce this accumulation. The health significance of chronic low-level exposure from bedding residue is not well studied.
Related compounds
Embr is a sleep environment company researching and addressing the chemistry of the bedroom. Research and product development in progress.
Last reviewed 2026-07-08. If you find a factual error, contact us.