Ingredient
Benzophenone-2
Benzophenone-2 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.
- BP-2
- 2,2',4,4'-Tetrahydroxybenzophenone
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
Benzophenone-2 and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Endocrine disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Benzophenone-2 is a chemical UV filter that belongs to the benzophenone family, used in sunscreens and cosmetics to absorb UV radiation. It has both sun-protective and product-stabilizing functions in formulations. According to studies published in environmental health journals, benzophenones are readily absorbed through the skin and can be detected in urine, blood, and amniotic fluid. Research has demonstrated that benzophenone compounds can cross the placental barrier. Animal studies have shown endocrine-disrupting effects, including altered reproductive development and hormone levels. The SCCS has noted concerns about the estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity of benzophenone derivatives, which could theoretically affect fetal development, particularly during critical windows of hormonal development. While not explicitly prohibited, many dermatologists and obstetricians recommend that pregnant women avoid benzophenone-based UV filters and opt for mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists acknowledges emerging concerns about chemical UV filters and endocrine disruption during pregnancy.
Benzophenone-2 and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Endocrine disruptor
- Infant exposure
Benzophenone-2 is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound that can be systemically absorbed through skin application. Studies have detected benzophenone compounds in breast milk samples, indicating that these chemicals can transfer from mother to infant. Research published in environmental health perspectives has found benzophenones in human breast milk, suggesting that breastfed infants may be exposed to these compounds through feeding. Given the endocrine-disrupting properties documented in animal studies and the sensitivity of infant hormonal systems during early development, there is theoretical concern about exposure during this critical period. The chemical's ability to mimic estrogen and block androgens could potentially affect infant development. While definitive human studies are limited, many healthcare providers recommend that breastfeeding women choose mineral-based sun protection over chemical filters like benzophenone-2. The AAD notes that minimizing exposure to potential endocrine disruptors during lactation is a reasonable precautionary approach.
Benzophenone-2 and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, benzophenone-2 presents moderate concern primarily due to its endocrine-disrupting properties. While there is no risk of infant exposure through milk, the hormonal recovery period postpartum may warrant caution with hormone-disrupting compounds. The postpartum period involves significant hormonal shifts as the body returns to pre-pregnancy states. While there are no specific studies on benzophenone-2 during postpartum recovery, the general recommendation is to minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors during hormonal transition periods. Mineral sunscreens may be a preferable alternative during this time.
Benzophenone-2 and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Endocrine disruptor
- Fertility effects
- Hormone disruptor
Benzophenone-2 belongs to a class of UV filters that have demonstrated endocrine-disrupting properties in animal research. For women trying to conceive, maintaining optimal hormonal balance is crucial for fertility, ovulation, and early pregnancy establishment. Studies have detected benzophenones in follicular fluid and have raised questions about potential effects on oocyte quality and implantation. While human fertility studies are limited, the precautionary principle suggests avoiding known endocrine disruptors when trying to conceive. Reproductive endocrinologists often recommend minimizing exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals during the preconception period to optimize fertility outcomes and prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Benzophenone-2 and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Endocrine disruptor
- Interferes with hormones
- Mimics androgens
Benzophenone-2 has demonstrated both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity in laboratory studies. For women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalances involving excess androgens and often insulin resistance, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is of particular concern. Research indicates that environmental endocrine disruptors may exacerbate PCOS symptoms or interfere with treatment effectiveness. The SCCS has noted that benzophenones can affect hormone signaling pathways. While topical exposure is less concerning than systemic exposure, the documented absorption of benzophenones through skin and their detection in blood raises concerns for women managing hormone-sensitive conditions. Many endocrinologists recommend that women with PCOS minimize exposure to known endocrine disruptors as part of comprehensive PCOS management. Choosing mineral-based UV protection instead of chemical filters like benzophenone-2 is a prudent approach for this population.
Benzophenone-2 and general use
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Common allergen
Benzophenone-2 is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and cosmetics to protect against UV radiation and prevent product degradation. It works by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat energy. According to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and ECHA, benzophenones have demonstrated endocrine-disrupting properties in animal studies, showing estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects. These compounds are readily absorbed through the skin and can be detected in urine and blood. BP-2 is also a known contact allergen and can cause photoallergic reactions in some individuals, particularly with repeated sun exposure. The EU restricts benzophenone-2 to a maximum concentration of 0.5% in cosmetic products and has listed it as a substance of concern. Many consumers and dermatologists now prefer mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or newer organic filters with better safety profiles. The ingredient is legal but increasingly avoided in favor of alternatives with fewer concerns.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Benzophenone-2, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
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 .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
Download on theApp Store