Benzophenone-4

Water-Soluble UVA & UVB Absorber for Product Protection

INCI Name: Benzophenone-4

Benzophenone-4, also known as Sulisobenzone, is a high-performance, water-soluble UV filter effective against UVB and short-wave UVA radiation. Primarily used as a photostabilizer, it helps protect cosmetic products from light-induced deterioration by absorbing UV rays that can degrade colors, fragrances, and active ingredients. It is an essential additive for maintaining the integrity and aesthetic appeal of products, especially those packaged in clear or translucent containers.

Solubility Notes:

Soluble in water. Note: The raw material is highly acidic and will lower the pH of the final formulation, requiring neutralization (e.g., with NaOH or TEA) to a skin-compatible range.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Sunscreen Formulations

Acts as a secondary UVB and short-wave UVA filter to support SPF/PFA performance alongside primary filters in lotions, creams, and sprays.
Hair Care Products

Incorporates into shampoos, conditioners, and leave-ins to help protect hair color from UV-induced fading and damage.
Clear Gels & Serums

Maintains clarity and helps prevent color shift in water-based serums, gels, and toners without impacting viscosity or feel.
Fragrance Products

Stabilizes delicate fragrance oils in perfumes, body mists, and colognes, helping prevent UV-related profile changes.
Color Cosmetics

Protects pigment vibrancy in liquid foundations, nail polishes, and other color formats to support color stability over time.
Moisturizers & Lotions

Helps safeguard light-sensitive actives and natural extracts in daily-use moisturizers to extend efficacy and shelf life.

Performance & Formulation Insights for Benzophenone-4

How Benzophenone-4 Protects Formulations

Benzophenone-4 (Sulisobenzone) is a chemical UV absorber that protects cosmetic products by absorbing harmful radiation and converting it into less damaging energy (heat). Its chromophore efficiently absorbs across the UVB (290–320 nm) and short-wave UVA (320–360 nm) ranges, intercepting photons before they can degrade sensitive formula components. By mitigating photolysis and oxidation of dyes, fragrances, and actives, Benzophenone-4 serves as a robust photostabilizer, maintaining product color, scent, and performance—especially important for products packaged in clear or translucent containers.

Formulation Guidelines

Supplied as an off-white crystalline powder, Benzophenone-4 is freely soluble in water, enabling easy incorporation into the aqueous phase of emulsions, gels, toners, and surfactant systems. A key consideration is its inherent acidity: aqueous solutions typically have a very low pH (about 1.2–2.2). Formulations should be neutralized with a suitable base (e.g., Sodium Hydroxide or Triethanolamine) to a skin-compatible pH, commonly 4.5–7.0, depending on the product type.

Recommended usage levels:

Product protection (color, fragrance, active stability): 0.1%–0.5%
Contribution to sun protection (as a UV filter): 2%–10%, subject to regional regulatory limits (e.g., up to 5% in the EU; up to 10% in the US).

Key Formulation Benefits

Broad-Spectrum Formula Protection: Shields against UVB and short-wave UVA to help prevent degradation of colors, fragrances, and actives.
Excellent Water Solubility: Dissolves readily in the water phase—ideal for clear gels, toners, and shampoos without impacting clarity.
Color & Fragrance Stabilization: Helps prevent dye fading and fragrance profile shifts in light-exposed products, extending shelf life.
Active Ingredient Shield: Protects light-sensitive vitamins, antioxidants, and botanical extracts from photodegradation.
Enhanced Sunscreen Performance: Complements other UV filters to broaden coverage and support higher SPF/PFA values.
Versatile Application: Suitable across skin care, hair care, sun care, and color cosmetics.

Heading #1
Benefits	Environmental Protection, Pollution Defense, Sunscreen Boosters, UV Protection & Defense
INCI Name	Benzophenone-4
Usage Rate	0.1%-10%
Active Type	Specialized Treatments, UV Boosters
Solubility	Water-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Eye, Face, Hair, Lip, Nail, Scalp
Physical Form	Powder
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About Benzophenone-4

Its main role is to act as a photostabilizer, protecting the product from UV-induced degradation and preserving color, fragrance, and active efficacy. It can also contribute to overall SPF.

For general product protection, use 0.1%–0.5%. For use as a UV filter contributing to sun protection, use 2%–10%, observing regional regulatory limits and desired SPF.

Benzophenone-4 is a sulfonic acid derivative and highly acidic in raw form. It must be neutralized with a suitable base to raise the final product pH to a skin-compatible level, typically 4.5–7.0.

Yes. It absorbs across the UVB range and the short-wave portion of UVA, providing broad-spectrum protection for formulations.

Absolutely. Its high water solubility makes it ideal for clear gels, serums, toners, and hair sprays, delivering UV protection without cloudiness or discoloration.

Benzophenone-4 is water-soluble, distinguishing it from many oil-soluble UV filters such as Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone).

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