Ingredient
Benzophenone-9
Benzophenone-9 is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and absorbed into the body.
- BP-9
- Sodium Dihydroxy Dimethoxy Disulfobenzophenone
- Uvinul DS 49
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 5 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Benzophenone-9 and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
Benzophenone-9 is a chemical UV filter belonging to the benzophenone family, used both to protect products from UV degradation and to provide some skin UV protection. While BP-9 is more water-soluble than other benzophenones, it shares structural similarities with compounds that have raised endocrine disruption concerns. Research on benzophenones, particularly benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone), has shown measurable systemic absorption and detection in umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid, raising concerns about potential fetal exposure. Studies have suggested possible endocrine-disrupting properties of benzophenones in animal models. While benzophenone-9 specifically has less research than BP-3, the structural similarities and class-wide concerns have led many healthcare providers to recommend caution with all benzophenone derivatives during pregnancy. ACOG does not specifically prohibit benzophenone-9, but many dermatologists recommend that pregnant women choose mineral-based UV protection (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) over chemical filters from the benzophenone family due to concerns about systemic absorption and potential endocrine effects. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests mineral sunscreens as the safest option during pregnancy.
Benzophenone-9 and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
- Endocrine disruptor
Benzophenone-9 belongs to a class of UV filters that have raised concerns about systemic absorption and potential transfer to breast milk. While BP-9 is more water-soluble than some other benzophenones, which may limit fat tissue accumulation, studies on related benzophenones have detected these compounds in human breast milk. Research on benzophenone-3 has shown it can be detected in breast milk after topical application, raising theoretical concerns about infant exposure. While specific data on BP-9 is limited, the chemical similarity suggests similar behavior may be possible. The potential endocrine-disrupting properties of benzophenones add to concerns about infant exposure during a critical developmental period. The AAD and many dermatologists recommend that breastfeeding mothers opt for mineral-based sun protection when possible, as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are not absorbed systemically and cannot transfer to breast milk. If chemical filters are used, newer-generation filters or those with less systemic absorption may be preferable to benzophenone derivatives.
Benzophenone-9 and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Endocrine disruptor
- Common allergen
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, benzophenone-9 carries fewer concerns than during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The primary considerations are potential endocrine-disrupting properties and risk of allergic contact dermatitis. While benzophenone-9 is less studied than its relatives, the general concerns about benzophenone UV filters persist. Women who experienced melasma during pregnancy may want to use effective UV protection, but mineral filters or newer chemical filters may offer similar protection with better safety profiles. Those with sensitive skin or a history of allergies to chemical sunscreens should avoid benzophenones.
Benzophenone-9 and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Hormone disruptor
Women trying to conceive should consider avoiding benzophenone-9 due to potential endocrine-disrupting properties. While direct effects on fertility are not well-established, the precautionary principle suggests minimizing exposure to potential hormone disruptors during the preconception period. Studies on benzophenones have shown these compounds can be detected in urine, blood, and reproductive tissues after topical application, indicating systemic absorption. The potential for hormonal interference during the critical conception and early pregnancy period has led many reproductive health specialists to recommend mineral-based sun protection for women TTC.
Benzophenone-9 and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Interferes with hormones
Benzophenone-9 and related compounds have shown potential endocrine-disrupting properties in research studies. For individuals with PCOS, who already have hormonal imbalances, exposure to potential endocrine disruptors is a legitimate concern. While direct studies on benzophenones and PCOS are lacking, research suggests that benzophenone compounds may interfere with estrogen and androgen activity. Given that PCOS involves disrupted hormone balance, many healthcare providers recommend avoiding potential endocrine disruptors when possible. Dermatologists working with PCOS patients often recommend mineral-based UV protection or newer-generation chemical filters that don't have endocrine-disrupting concerns. Effective sun protection is important for PCOS-related melasma and hyperpigmentation, but safer alternatives exist.
Benzophenone-9 and general use
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Common allergen
- Environmental pollutant
Benzophenone-9 is a chemical UV filter that belongs to a class of compounds under increasing scrutiny for potential health and environmental effects. While it is approved for use in cosmetics in the EU and US, concerns about the benzophenone family have grown. Research has shown that some benzophenones, particularly BP-3 (oxybenzone), demonstrate endocrine-disrupting properties in laboratory and animal studies. While BP-9 is less studied than BP-3, the structural similarities raise similar concerns. Additionally, benzophenones can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals. Environmental concerns include toxicity to coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems. Many dermatologists now recommend mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or newer-generation organic filters as safer alternatives to benzophenones. These alternatives provide effective UV protection without the endocrine disruption concerns associated with the benzophenone class.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Benzophenone-9, 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 .
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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.
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