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Homosalate

Homosalate suppliers and sourcing guide

Homosalate is a salicylate UV filter, the ester of salicylic acid with 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol. It is made by esterifying salicylic acid, or transesterifying methyl salicylate, with that alcohol and then distilling the product. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid made of cis and trans isomers, used in the oil phase of sunscreens and as a solvent for solid filters. In the U.S. it is an OTC sunscreen drug active.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate · homomenthyl salicylate · CAS 118-56-9
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of homosalate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • USP / drug-grade liquid

    Homosalate made to the USP monograph for OTC sunscreen use.

  • Cosmetic-grade liquid

    The same ester sold for markets where it is a cosmetic UV filter; confirm it meets drug documentation needs before U.S. use.

  • Filter blends

    Homosalate pre-blended with other liquid filters such as octisalate or octocrylene.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (GC)
Homosalate content, usually reported as the sum of cis and trans isomers.
Isomer ratio
Cis/trans ratio by GC, which some specifications control.
Free salicylic acid and acid value
Unreacted acid, which affects odor, color and pH of the finished product.
Refractive index and specific gravity
Identity checks against the specification.
Color
APHA color of the liquid.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep homosalate in closed containers at room temperature, out of direct light. It is stable as supplied; reseal opened drums and avoid contamination with water. Shelf life and retest date come from the supplier specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and acid value for each lot and keep certificates with drug GMP records. Use oldest lots first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 352.10 lists homosalate up to 15 percent among OTC sunscreen active ingredients; FDA describes this 1999 final sunscreen monograph as stayed (not in effect).

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA says the CARES Act deemed final order for OTC sunscreens (OTC000006) considers sunscreens containing the 16 active ingredients of that 1999 monograph as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).

    Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's 2021 proposed order (OTC000008) proposed that sunscreens containing homosalate are not GRASE because additional data are needed; FDA says this is not a conclusion that the ingredient is unsafe and that the remaining proposals will be addressed in future orders.

    Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Primary Sunscreen Monograph lists homosalate as a UVB filter at up to 15%.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Homosalate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking homosalate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell homosalate? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of homosalate can brands buy?

Common forms include uSP / drug-grade liquid, cosmetic-grade liquid and filter blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for homosalate include?

Expect assay (GC), isomer ratio, free salicylic acid and acid value, refractive index and specific gravity and color, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should homosalate be stored?

Keep homosalate in closed containers at room temperature, out of direct light. It is stable as supplied; reseal opened drums and avoid contamination with water. Shelf life and retest date come from the supplier specification.

What is the regulatory status of homosalate?

21 CFR 352.10 lists homosalate up to 15 percent among OTC sunscreen active ingredients; FDA describes this 1999 final sunscreen monograph as stayed (not in effect). FDA says the CARES Act deemed final order for OTC sunscreens (OTC000006) considers sunscreens containing the 16 active ingredients of that 1999 monograph as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE). FDA's 2021 proposed order (OTC000008) proposed that sunscreens containing homosalate are not GRASE because additional data are needed; FDA says this is not a conclusion that the ingredient is unsafe and that the remaining proposals will be addressed in future orders. Health Canada's Primary Sunscreen Monograph lists homosalate as a UVB filter at up to 15%.

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