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.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with 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.
What the research says.
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 status.
How benzophenone is regulated in cosmetics 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.
Details
Derivatives permitted as UV filters with limits.
Details
Derivatives permitted as UV filters with limits.
Details
Regulated as sunscreen active with limits.
Details
Derivatives permitted as UV filters with limits.
Details
Permitted as UV filter with limits per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted with limits.
Details
Permitted as UV filter with limits, aligned with EU.
The reason brands include it.
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.
0
products in our database
0
brands use it
3
product categories
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 types.
Click a category to see every product containing benzophenone.
Get Your Free Ingredient Safety Report
Enter your email and we'll send you a personalized breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients in your daily products.
What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz uses zero benzophenone-family chemicals in any product. Our lip balms contain only Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Beeswax, and Vitamin E — no UV filters or fragrance fixatives.