Benzophenone-4
What Benzophenone-4 is & what it does
Benzophenone-4 is a synthetic, water-soluble UV filter and is also used to protect cosmetic formulas from light-induced degradation. In sunscreens and other products it absorbs UV radiation, mainly in the UVB and short UVA range, helping to shield both the skin and the formula. Its water solubility (it is a sulfonated benzophenone) is a notable property that sets it apart from the oil-soluble benzophenone filters.
What does Benzophenone-4 do in skincare?
Benzophenone-4 is a water-soluble UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet radiation, mainly in the UVB and short UVA range. In sunscreens it helps protect the skin, and it is also used in other products to shield the formula itself from light-induced degradation. Its water solubility makes it useful where oil-based filters are not ideal.
Is Benzophenone-4 safe?
Benzophenone-4 is an approved UV filter in many regions and is used at regulated concentrations in cosmetics. Some benzophenone filters have been studied for skin sensitivity and other concerns, so guidance can vary by jurisdiction. If you have reactive skin or specific concerns, patch testing and checking your local regulations is sensible.
Is Benzophenone-4 natural or synthetic?
It is synthetic. Benzophenone-4 is a manufactured organic UV filter (a sulfonated benzophenone), not something obtained from a natural source.
Sunscreens with Benzophenone-4
We rate 26 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
-
Darling Glowy Face Cream Spf 50+
78/100
-
e'clat superior Suncream
73/100
-
Interfarmac s.r.l. Evìta Sun Spf 50+
73/100
-
Marshwillow Daily UV Protect Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 Pa+++
70/100
-
Fixderma A Gel SPF 30 Sunscreen
69/100
-
Fixderma Shadow Sunscreen Spf 80+
68/100
-
Hira ali beauty Sun Of A Beach Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40+++
68/100
-
The Mango Flamingo Hydra-tint UV Shield SPF 30
68/100
-
Fixderma
Fix derma Shadow Spf 30+Gel
68/100
-
52 Sundaze Clear Glow SPF 50 Mist With Rose Water
66/100