Ingredient

Benzophenone

Benzophenone is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, PCOS, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and absorbed into the body.

By Team TruvaLast checked

Verdict by profile

Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.

Strongest verdict
Not Recommended
Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
Profiles flagged
6 of 6
Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
Irritancy
2 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyAVOID

Benzophenone and pregnancy

Not Recommended

Benzophenone is a chemical UV filter that can penetrate the skin barrier and enter systemic circulation. It's part of the benzophenone family, which includes oxybenone (benzophenone-3), a well-studied endocrine disruptor. Studies have shown that benzophenones can cross the placental barrier and have been detected in umbilical cord blood. According to research published in environmental health journals, benzophenones demonstrate estrogenic activity and may interfere with fetal hormonal development. A study in the Journal of Environmental Research found associations between maternal benzophenone exposure and altered birth outcomes. The SCCS has expressed concern about the endocrine-disrupting potential of benzophenone compounds, particularly during pregnancy when fetal development is sensitive to hormonal disruption. While not explicitly banned during pregnancy, many obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding benzophenone-based UV filters as a precautionary measure. ACOG recommends mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) as safer alternatives during pregnancy. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) classifies benzophenones as high concern for pregnancy due to hormone disruption risks.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Benzophenone and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

Benzophenone can be absorbed through the skin and has been detected in breast milk in multiple studies. As a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound, it can accumulate in breast tissue and transfer to breastfed infants. Research published in Environmental Science & Technology has found benzophenone compounds in breast milk samples, indicating that breastfed infants can be exposed to these chemicals. Given the endocrine-disrupting properties of benzophenones and infants' vulnerability to hormonal disruption during critical developmental periods, this poses theoretical risks to infant health. The European Commission's Scientific Committee has noted concerns about infant exposure to endocrine disruptors through breast milk. The AAD and many dermatologists recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid chemical UV filters like benzophenone and instead use mineral-based sunscreens. Lactation consultants echo this guidance, particularly for products applied to large body areas or used daily, as this increases total body burden and potential milk transfer.

PostpartumCAUTION

Benzophenone and postpartum

Caution Advised

Benzophenone remains a chemical UV filter with endocrine-disrupting properties even for postpartum women not breastfeeding. While the immediate concern of milk transfer is removed, the ingredient's ability to disrupt hormone function and cause skin sensitization remains relevant. For postpartum women not breastfeeding who may be experiencing hormonal rebalancing, many dermatologists still suggest caution with known endocrine disruptors. However, if using effective sun protection is a priority, benzophenone-containing products are less restricted than during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Mineral sunscreens remain the preferred option for those concerned about hormone disruption.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Benzophenone and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

Benzophenone's endocrine-disrupting properties are particularly concerning for women trying to conceive. Studies have suggested potential associations between benzophenone exposure and reproductive outcomes, though more research is needed to establish definitive causal relationships. Research published in fertility journals has examined benzophenone exposure and reproductive health, with some studies suggesting possible effects on fertility parameters. Given that conception requires precise hormonal balance and benzophenones can interfere with estrogen signaling, many reproductive endocrinologists recommend avoiding these compounds while trying to conceive. The precautionary principle suggests minimizing exposure to known hormone disruptors during this critical period.

PCOSAVOID

Benzophenone and PCOS

Not Recommended

Benzophenone has demonstrated estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity in scientific studies, meaning it can interfere with hormone signaling. For women with PCOS who already experience hormonal imbalances, exposure to endocrine disruptors is a particular concern. Research in the journal Reproductive Toxicology has shown that benzophenones can affect reproductive hormone levels. Women with PCOS may be more vulnerable to compounds that interfere with estrogen and androgen balance, as this could potentially worsen hormonal symptoms. While topical exposure is different from systemic administration, the demonstrated skin penetration and systemic absorption of benzophenones makes this a valid concern. Endocrinologists and PCOS specialists often recommend minimizing exposure to known endocrine disruptors, including benzophenone-based UV filters. Women with PCOS seeking sun protection should consider mineral-based alternatives that don't have hormonal activity.

General UseCAUTION

Benzophenone and general use

Caution Advised

Benzophenone is a chemical UV filter that provides protection against ultraviolet radiation in cosmetic products. While it's effective at preventing product degradation and offering some sun protection, it comes with documented health concerns. The primary concerns with benzophenone are its endocrine-disrupting properties, skin absorption, and potential for causing allergic reactions. According to the SCCS, benzophenones can mimic hormones in the body and have been detected in blood and urine samples after topical application. The ingredient can also cause photoallergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Studies show that benzophenones are among the more problematic chemical UV filters in terms of hormone disruption. While still permitted in cosmetics in most jurisdictions, regulatory bodies and health organizations increasingly recommend alternatives. The EWG rates benzophenones as moderate to high concern. Many European countries and US states are moving toward restrictions on benzophenone UV filters due to both human health and environmental concerns.

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Provenance

Where this came from

Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.

Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .

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