Benzophenone-4 is found in bath, makeup, hair, sunscreens, and skin care products. These include moisturisers, sunscreen, conditioner, shampoo, makeup remover, body wash, suntan lotions, hair sprays, etc.
Uses
Used as an ultraviolet absorber for leather and textile fibers, and as a photostabilizer for cosmetic dyes, creams, and lotions.
Benefits
• Filters out harmful UV rays
• Prevents other ingredients from getting degraded by the sun
• Water soluble
• Has worldwide approval for skin protection
Usage Rate
Use in concentrations of 5-10% as an ultraviolet absorber in cosmetics.
UV protection may be used at 5%.
Strengths
Extremely useful in formulations that need to protect ingredients from UV damage.
Caution
Benzophenone-4, also called Sulisobenzone, belongs to a group of aromatic ketones that contain both UVB and UVA absorbing properties to filter out harmful UV rays. Though most commonly used in sunscreens, Benzophenone-4 may be found in lip balms, perfumes, nail polishes, hair sprays, dyes, and shampoos. This water-soluble component also protects other ingredients from deteriorating under the sun by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV rays.
This white or pale yellow powder is readily soluble in propylene glycol, glycerin, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol.