Sunscreen cosmetics have attracted attention due to their ability to protect human skin from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Their main active ingredients are sunscreens. Benzophenone compounds are a class of polymer materials with ultraviolet absorption function. They have a wide absorption wavelength range and can protect against long-wave ultraviolet rays (UVA) and medium-wave ultraviolet rays (UVB). They are currently commonly used sunscreens at home and abroad.
What is Benzophenone?
2-Hydroxybenzophenone compounds are one of the most commonly used UV absorbers, and they are mainly composed of 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone derivatives. After absorbing UV light, these compounds convert energy into heat energy by breaking intramolecular hydrogen bonds and tautomerism, thereby converting UV light into heat energy.
Benzophenone derivatives containing ortho-hydroxyl groups mainly absorb UV light with a wavelength of 290-380nm, almost do not absorb visible light, and do not cause coloring, so they are widely used in the manufacture of transparent and light-colored products.
High molecular weight and reactive UV absorbers are the research and development direction of benzophenone UV absorbers.
Hindered phenol or hindered amine structure combined with benzophenone can prepare a new type of UV absorber with multiple effects.
Benzophenone (BP) and related compounds:
Benzophenone-1 (BP-1): Also known as 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, this UV-protective ingredient is employed in a variety of cosmetic items and plastics.
Benzophenone-2 (BP-2): Also known as 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, it is widely utilized in personal care products and as a UV blocker in plastics.
Benzophenone-3 (BP-3, Oxybenzone) is widely utilized in sunscreens and other personal care products due to its effective UV-filtering capabilities.
Sunscreens and other cosmetics contain benzophenone-4 (BP-4, Sulisobenzone), which provides UV protection.
Benzophenone-5 (BP-5) is a potassium salt of BP-4 that is utilized in comparable personal care products.
Benzophenone-6 (BP-6): Less widely used, but also serves as a UV filter.
Benzophenone-8 (BP-8, Dioxybenzone): Found in sunscreens and other personal care products.
Is benzophenone good for skin?
Benzophenone and its related chemicals are widely used to guard against UV rays in personal care products such as sunscreens, as well as in plastics and other materials.
UV Protection: Benzophenone absorbs UVB and some UVA rays, protecting skin from sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Stabilizing Ingredient: Benzophenone stabilizes other ingredients in cosmetic formulations, preventing them from degrading when exposed to light and extending shelf life.
Benzophenones are permitted for use in sunscreens and cosmetics by regulatory authorities such as the FDA and the European Commission, but only at specific concentrations.
