Benzophenone
Also known as: benzophenone-1, benzophenone-2, benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone), diphenyl ketone
A group of aromatic ketones used as UV filters, fragrance ingredients, and UV stabilizers in cosmetics and packaging. Benzophenone and its derivatives are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive harm, and benzophenone itself is classified as a possible carcinogen.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Benzophenone.
Low risk from a single exposure.
Daily sunscreen or fragrance use with benzophenones raises cumulative endocrine disruption concern.
High risk. Multiple sources (sunscreen, fragrance, packaging migration) compound exposure. Avoid.
Health Risks
Benzophenone is classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B).
IARC Monographs — Benzophenone evaluation
Endocrine disruptor with estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity across the benzophenone family.
Toxicological Sciences, 2005 — endocrine activity of benzophenones
Can migrate from product packaging into the product itself, creating unintentional exposure.
Photoallergic reactions and contact dermatitis reported with topical use.
Global Regulatory Status
How benzophenone is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
91% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
BP-1 and BP-3 listed as UV filters with limits in Annex VI; some derivatives banned under Annex II.
Details
Permitted as UV filter/stabilizer with limits.
Details
Permitted as UV filter with limits.
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Derivatives permitted as UV filters with limits.
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Derivatives permitted as UV filters with limits.
Details
Regulated as sunscreen active with limits.
Details
Derivatives permitted as UV filters with limits.
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Permitted as UV filter with limits per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted with limits.
Details
Permitted as UV filter with limits, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use Benzophenone
Absorbs UV light to protect both the product formulation and the user's skin from UV damage. Also used as a fragrance fixative and photoinitiator in packaging.
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose benzophenone because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, non-nano mineral sunscreens deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Benzophenone in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing benzophenone in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz uses zero benzophenone-family chemicals in any product. Our lip balms contain only organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, beeswax, and vitamin E — no UV filters or fragrance fixatives.
