Benzophenone-4

* Also known as Sulisobenzone. See Sunscreen Article.

Functions:

A photostabilizer and sunscreen agent used for its ability to absorb UV rays. It helps prevent the integrity of other cosmetic ingredients from deteriorating under the sun. Though it covers UVB and short UVA (UVA-2) range rays, it's an inadequate sunscreen agent when used alone. For this reason, it is often used in conjunction with other sun protecting ingredients. It’s used in a variety of personal care products like sunscreen, nail polish, lotion/cream and lipstick.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

Studies have shown it to act as an irritant and allergan when topically applied to the skin. The FDA has approved the use of benzophenone-4 as a safe and effective OTC sunscreen ingredient, but only in concentrations up to 10%. The EU Cosmetics Directive has also assessed the sunscreen ingredient as safe to use in OTC products at concentrations up to 5%.

Recommended Products w/ Benzophenone-4:

Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum ($48), Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub ($6.99)