Benzophenone-3

High-Performance UV Absorber for Product Photostability

INCI Name: Benzophenone-3

Benzophenone-3, also known as Oxybenzone, is a highly effective oil-soluble UV absorber used to protect cosmetic formulations from damage caused by UV light. By absorbing and dissipating UV radiation, it prevents the degradation of light-sensitive ingredients, including colorants, fragrances, and active compounds. This function preserves product integrity, extends shelf life, and maintains aesthetic appeal, making it an essential stabilizer for a wide range of personal care products.

Solubility Notes:

Oil-soluble; practically insoluble in water. Soluble in ethanol and various cosmetic oils and esters. Incorporate into the oil phase of formulations; gentle heating aids dissolution.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Sunscreens & Suncare Products

Provides broad-spectrum UV absorption, contributing to SPF and protecting skin when used as an approved sunscreen active.
Nail Polishes & Enamels

Prevents color fading and discoloration in nail lacquers, maintaining shade fidelity under sunlight exposure.
Fragrance Products (Perfumes, Body Sprays)

Protects delicate fragrance oils from photodegradation to preserve the intended scent profile and longevity.
Color Cosmetics (Lipsticks, Foundations)

Stabilizes pigments and dyes to minimize color shift and maintain visual appeal and product performance.
Hair Care Products (Hairsprays, Serums)

Helps protect natural and color-treated hair from UV-induced fading; supports polymer stability in styling products.
Creams & Lotions

Acts as a photostabilizer to protect vitamins, botanicals, and other light-sensitive actives within emulsions.

Performance & Formulation Insights for Benzophenone-3

Mechanism of Action: How Benzophenone-3 Works

Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) is a photostabilizer that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation across both the UVA and UVB ranges. Upon exposure to UV light, the molecule transitions to an excited state and then safely dissipates the absorbed energy as low-level heat as it returns to its ground state. By intercepting and converting UV energy, it helps prevent the photodegradation of light-sensitive formula components such as colorants, fragrances, and performance actives, preserving product integrity, efficacy, and appearance.

Formulation Guidelines & Technical Advantages

Supplied as a pale yellow crystalline, oil-soluble powder, Benzophenone-3 should be incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions or anhydrous systems and can be gently heated to ensure complete dissolution. It is broadly compatible with common cosmetic ingredients and is particularly useful for stabilizing other UV filters, such as Avobenzone, to enhance overall photostability in suncare systems.

Usage Rates: For formula photoprotection, ~0.5% is typically sufficient. When used as an OTC sunscreen active in the United States, levels up to 6% are permitted.
pH Stability: Stable across a wide, cosmetic-relevant pH range.
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; readily soluble in alcohols, ketones, esters, and cosmetic oils. Ideal for oil phases and anhydrous formats.

Key Formulation Benefits

Formula Protection: Extends shelf life and maintains product aesthetics by minimizing UV-induced degradation of sensitive ingredients.
Color Stabilization: Helps prevent fading and discoloration of pigments and dyes in color cosmetics, nail polishes, and hair products.
Fragrance Preservation: Shields fragrance compounds from photodegradation to keep the scent profile true over time.
Broad-Spectrum Absorption: Absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA rays to protect formulas and, at higher levels, contributes to skin UV protection.
Synergistic Efficacy: Photostabilizes other UV absorbers (e.g., Avobenzone) to improve sunscreen system stability.
Versatile Application: Suitable for sunscreens, lotions, anhydrous sticks, sprays, nail enamels, and hair products.

Heading #1
Benefits	Environmental Protection, Pollution Defense, Sunscreen Boosters, UV Protection & Defense
INCI Name	Benzophenone-3
Usage Rate	0.5%-6%
Active Type	Specialized Treatments, UV Boosters
Solubility	Oil-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Eye, Face, Hair, Lip, Nail
Physical Form	Powder
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About Benzophenone-3

In non-sunscreen products (e.g., lotions, hairsprays, nail polish), its primary role is photostabilization—absorbing UV light that penetrates packaging to protect color, fragrance, and actives from degrading.

For formula protection, use around 0.5%. As an OTC sunscreen active in the US, up to 6% is permitted. Always verify local regulatory limits for your target market and application.

No. It is practically insoluble in water. It is oil-soluble and should be added to the oil phase; it is also soluble in ethanol and other organic solvents.

Yes. It is commonly used in leave-in conditioners, serums, and hairsprays to help protect both artificial and natural hair color from UV-induced fading.

Yes. Usage is regulated and may be restricted in certain regions (e.g., bans in some locales like Hawaii and Key West for sunscreens). Confirm the current regulatory status for your specific market and product type.

Benzophenone-3 is an organic (chemical) UV filter that absorbs UV radiation and converts it to heat. Physical (inorganic) filters like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide primarily scatter and reflect UV light.

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