Benzophenone-2 (BP-2) is a cosmetic ingredient with the function of “light stabilizer”, “ultraviolet absorber” and “fragrance”., because it is able to protect cosmetic products from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus increase the durability of fragrances in products and on the skin. Currently, it is not regulated by the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Benzophenone-5 (BP-5) is a cosmetic ingredient with the function of “light stabilizer”, “ultraviolet absorber” and “ultraviolet filter”. Currently, it is regulated by Reg. (EC) No 1223/2009 (Annex VI, Order No 22) and can be used as a UV filter with a maximum of 5%. It is the sodium salt of benzophenone-4, and many of the toxicological data of benzophenone-4 can also be considered as applicable to benzophenone-5.
The European Commission has asked the SCCS to provide its opinion, as there are concerns about the potential endocrine disrupting properties of these two substances.
The SCCS considers that the use of benzophenone-2 in cosmetic products may pose a risk to the consumer due to indications of genotoxicity and endocrine activity.
Due to lack of information on BP-5, the SCCS considers that data on BP-4, a similar analogue, can be used to assess the safety of BP-5. Therefore, in view of the toxicological data on BP-4, including its potential endocrine disrupting properties, the SCCS considers that BP-5 is safe when used as a UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 5% in sunscreens, face and hand creams, lipsticks, spray sunscreens with propellants and pumps, either individually or in combination.
