Chemical UVB sunscreen/sunblock: homosalate

Generic name: homosalate

Brand(s): Coppertone and many others

Type: Chemical

Range of UV spectrum covered: UVB

Wavelengths covered: 295-315 nm

Stability:
When exposed to sunlight homosalate undergoes some degradation. There is not enough data to judge the impact of degradation on the UVB blocking ability.

Summary:
Homosalate is an oil soluble chemical sun locking agent that absorbs UVB radiation. It does not protect against UVA. It appears to have comparatively good safety profile. However, used alone it is insufficient even for UVB protection.

Details:
Homosalate is an oil soluble chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB radiation. It does not protect against UVA.

When exposed to sunlight homosalate undergoes some degradation. There is not enough data to judge the impact of degradation on the UVB blocking ability.

Homosalate is a salycilate (a deriative of salycilic acid). It is used to augment the UVB protection in a sunscreen. Salicylates are weak UVB absorbers and they are generally used in combination with other UV filters. It appears to have comparatively good safety profile.