Ingredient guide
Benzophenone in Face Moisturizer
What Benzophenone does in face moisturizer and how it's regulated.
About Benzophenone
A group of aromatic ketones used as UV filters, fragrance ingredients, and UV stabilizers in cosmetics and packaging.
Why brands use it in face moisturizer
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.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is approved as a sunscreen active. Parent compound benzophenone is listed as a fragrance ingredient with no restrictions.
- European Union: Not on the EU prohibited list (some ingredients have concentration limits)
- Canada: Restricted in cosmetics
Common alternatives
Other ingredients formulators use for a similar job in face moisturizer:
zinc oxide
titanium dioxide
non-nano mineral sunscreens
UV-stable packaging (glass, opaque containers)
FAQ
What is Benzophenone?
A group of aromatic ketones used as UV filters, fragrance ingredients, and UV stabilizers in cosmetics and packaging.
Why is Benzophenone used in face moisturizer?
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.
How is Benzophenone regulated?
Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is approved as a sunscreen active. Parent compound benzophenone is listed as a fragrance ingredient with no restrictions. Canada restricts its use in cosmetics.
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain Benzophenone?
No. Numbrrrz is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. That is a formulation choice, not a judgment about other products.
