Benzophenone

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Photoprotective agent
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreen, anti-aging cream, shampoo and conditioner, hairspray, lotion, makeup

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BENZOPHENONE?

When used as a photoprotective agent, benzophenone derivatives (e.g., benzophenone-3 or oxybenzone) offer excellent protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light. They are also used sometimes to extend the time that common personal care products can be effective.

WHAT IS BENZOPHENONE?

Benzophenones are aromatic ketones with photosensitizing properties. When used as a derivative, they may have photoprotective effects in the UVA and UVB light ranges. They are often used as ultraviolet filters in personal care products.

IS BENZOPHENONE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Benzophenone is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. However, there is significant data on its allergenic potential and potential as a phototoxic agent, so patients using or considering using products containing benzophenone ought to be cautioned about this potential consequence. Some in vitro studies have shown that it is low risk in toxicity to UVB exposure while other studies have commented on its strong phototoxic potential. Other studies have suggested it may have carcinogenic potential, though this relationship is unclear.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no reported contraindications to use of benzophenones or their derivatives. However, patients with an allergy or reaction to benzophenone-containing products, such as sunscreens or ketoprofen, may have a contraindication to future benzophenone-containing products.

Sources:
  1. Foubert K, Dendooven E, Theunis M, et al. The presence of benzophenone in sunscreens and cosmetics containing the organic UV filter octocrylene: A laboratory study. Contact Dermatitis. 2021;85(1):69-77.
  2. Hanson JL, Warshaw EM. Sensitivity to multiple benzophenone sunscreen agents. Dermatitis. 2015;26(4):192-194.
  3. Heurung AR, Raju SI, Warshaw EM. Adverse reactions to sunscreen agents: epidemiology, responsible irritants and allergens, clinical characteristics, and management. Dermatitis. 2014;25(6):289-326.
  4. Heurung AR, Raju SI, Warshaw EM. Benzophenones [published correction appears in Dermatitis. 2014 Mar-Apr;25(2):92-5]. Dermatitis. 2014;25(1):3-10.
  5. Knobler E, Almeida L, Ruzkowski AM, Held J, Harber L, DeLeo V. Photoallergy to benzophenone. Arch Dermatol. 1989;125(6):801-804.
  6. Placzek M, Dendorfer M, Przybilla B, Gilbertz KP, Eberlein B. Photosensitizing properties of compounds related to benzophenone. Acta Derm Venereol. 2013;93(1):30-32.
  7. Tsiogka A, Liopyris K, Gregoriou S. Allergic contact dermatitis associated with benzophenone sensitization after a recent black ink tattoo. Contact Dermatitis. 2022;86(6):549-551.
  8. Warshaw EM, Xiong M, Belsito DV, et al. Patch Testing With Benzophenone-3 and -4: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 2013-2020. Dermatitis. 2023;34(2):105-112.
  9. Xiong L, Tang J, Li Y, Li L. Phototoxic risk assessment on benzophenone UV filters: In vitro assessment and a theoretical model. Toxicol In Vitro. 2019;60:180-186.

Nishad Sathe, MD

Author

Nishad Sathe is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine/Dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota