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Permitted under conditionsAnx. VIRef. VI/4

BENZOPHENONE-3

LIGHT STABILIZER · UV ABSORBER · UV FILTER

CAS
131-57-7
EC
205-031-5
IUPAC
2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone / Oxybenzone
Max conc.
a) 6% b) 2,2% c) 0,5% Footnote 1: However, cosmetic products containing '2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone/Oxybenzone' and complying with the restrictions set out in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as applicable on 27 July 2022 may be placed on the Union market until 28 January 2023 and be made available on the Union market until 28 July 2023.

Last CosIng update

29 July 2024

Description

Benzophenone-3 is a benzophenone derivative, belonging to the chemical class of hydroxylated and methoxylated aromatic ketones. Its declared technical function in CosIng is that of light stabilizer, UV absorber and UV filter. Ingredients of this class, in the general cosmetic context, are characterized by their capacity to absorb radiation in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, being applied both for protecting the user against solar radiation and for stabilizing the cosmetic formulation against photochemical degradation of other components. Among its associated denominations is the INN oxybenzone.

Under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the ingredient is listed in Annex VI, reference 4, which covers authorized UV filters. The maximum authorized concentrations are: "a) 6%", "b) 2,2%" and "c) 0,5%", depending on the type of product: (a) face, hand and lip products, excluding propellant spray and pump spray products; (b) body products, including propellant spray and pump spray products; (c) other products. As other conditions, the following applies: "If used at 0,5 % to protect product formulation, the levels used as UV filter must not exceed 5,5 %" in case (a) and "If used at 0,5 % to protect product formulation, the levels used as UV filter must not exceed 1,7 %" in case (b). For (a) and (b), the labelling warning "Contains Benzophenone-3" is mandatory, and is not required when the concentration is equal to or less than 0.5% and the substance is used exclusively to protect the product. The ingredient is not classified as CMR.

The applicable cosmetic restriction is VI/4. The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.

Detailed EU regulation

%

Maximum permitted concentration

a) 6% b) 2,2% c) 0,5% Footnote 1: However, cosmetic products containing '2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone/Oxybenzone' and complying with the restrictions set out in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as applicable on 27 July 2022 may be placed on the Union market until 28 January 2023 and be made available on the Union market until 28 July 2023.

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Regulatory framework

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — Annex VI, ref. 4

Last update reflected in the database: 29 July 2024

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Conditions of use

a) If used at 0,5 % to protect product formulation, the levels used as UV filter must not exceed 5,5 %. b) If used at 0,5 % to protect product formulation, the levels used as UV filter must not exceed 1,7 %.

Product type: a) Face products, hand products, and lip products, excluding propellant and pump spray products b) Body products, including propellant and pump spray products c) Other products

⚠

Labelling warnings

For a) and b): Contains Benzophenone-3 (*) Footnote (*): Not required if concentration is 0,5 % or less and when it is used only for product protection purposes.

Recent analyses mentioning this ingredient

  • SeguimientoOpinión científica SCCS (versión final) · 31 de marzo de 2021
    Benzophenone-3

    El SCCS adoptó el 30-31 de marzo de 2021 su opinión final sobre benzofenona-3 (BP-3), en respuesta a un mandato de la Comisión Europea vinculado a la revisión de sustancias con potenciales propiedades de disrupción endocrina. Concluye que el uso de BP-3 como filtro UV hasta 6% en cremas corporales y sprays solares no es seguro, que es seguro hasta 6% en crema facial, crema de manos y labiales, y que es seguro hasta 0.5% como protector de la formulación. Como alternativa, considera seguras concentraciones de hasta 2.2% como filtro UV en cremas corporales y sprays solares (1.7% si se emplea además 0.5% para proteger la formulación). La evidencia sobre disrupción endocrina se califica como no concluyente y, en el mejor de los casos, equívoca, lo que justifica investigaciones adicionales.

Data source: Official CosIng from the European Commission, updated on 29 July 2024. Learn more →