Benzophenone-4 is a white or pale yellow powder. It is used in bath products, makeup products, hair products, sunscreens and skin care products to protect cosmetics and personal care products from deterioration by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV rays.

A water-soluble, chemical sunscreen agent that is a secondary UVB absorber with some activity in the short UVA range as well. Being a secondary UV absorber means that its protection is weak and it has to be combined with other sunscreen filters for proper sun protection. 

More often than not, Benzophenone-4 is not used as a sunscreen agent but as a photoprotectant to extend product shelf life, or as a color-protectant for products in clear packages. 

What is BENZOPHENONE-4 used for?

Benzophenone-4 is a common chemical compound that is used in a variety of cosmetic and skin care products. It can be found in products like shower gels, sunscreens, mascaras, shampoos, and cleansers.

• Sun care: It is a sunscreen agent that protects the skin against harmful UVB rays. Since it is not very strong, it is often used with other sunscreen layers for this purpose. Similarly, Benzophenone-4 also protects the products from degradation due to UVB exposure
• Cosmetic products: It is added to increase the shelf life of the products, as it is a photoprotectant. It is also a color protectant for the products that come in clear packages

Origin

Benzophenone-4 is a water-soluble ingredient that is made from 2-hydroxy benzophenone. In its raw form, Benzophenone-4 appears as a light beige or white crystalline powder that has a flowery odor.

What does BENZOPHENONE-4 do in a formulation?

• Uv absorber
• Uv filter

Safety Profile of BENZOPHENONE-4

Benzophenone-4 is safe to be used in cosmetics and personal care products. However, it can be mildly allergic in certain skin types. Therefore, a patch test is recommended before full application. If used above the prescribed percentage, Benzophenone-4 can also be toxic and bioaccumulative, linking it to cancer. Lastly, this ingredient should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Applications

• Bath products
• Cosmetics
• Fragrance
• Hair care
• Skin care
• Sunscreens