What Is Benzophenone-2?
Benzophenone-2, or 2,2′,4,4′-Tetrahydroxybenzophenone, belongs to a family of molecules designed to absorb and manage light. It is a synthetic ingredient created in laboratories rather than sourced from plants or animals, and its structure features two linked benzene rings with four hydroxyl (-OH) groups that help capture ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Chemists first explored benzophenone derivatives in the mid-20th century while searching for ways to prevent plastics, paints and personal care products from discoloring in sunlight. Benzophenone-2 soon found a place in cosmetic chemistry because it could filter UV radiation, protect color and improve product shelf life. The compound is typically produced through a controlled reaction between resorcinol and p-hydroxybenzoyl chloride, followed by purification steps that remove solvent traces and by-products.
Today you might spot Benzophenone-2 in a variety of formulas such as facial moisturizers with SPF, leave-in hair conditioners, clear nail polish, lip balms, body lotions and even some fragranced body mists. Any product that needs to stay stable when exposed to sunlight, or that aims to shield skin or hair from UV-related damage, is a likely candidate.
Benzophenone-2’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The ingredient serves several roles that help cosmetic products look, smell and perform better.
- Fragrance – Benzophenone-2 can help stabilize scent molecules so a product’s fragrance stays true for a longer period after opening
- Light stabilizer – It keeps colors, active ingredients and packaging from breaking down when exposed to sunlight which means the product maintains its appearance and effectiveness throughout its shelf life
- UV absorber – By absorbing UVB and some UVA rays it provides an extra layer of protection for skin, hair and the formula itself reducing the risk of sun-induced fading dryness or irritation
Who Can Use Benzophenone-2
Benzophenone-2 is generally considered suitable for all skin types including dry, oily and combination skin because it sits on the surface to absorb UV rather than sinking deeply into pores. Those with very sensitive or compromised skin should approach cautiously as any synthetic filter can sometimes provoke irritation. Otherwise it is unlikely to clog pores or worsen oiliness.
The ingredient is synthetic and contains no animal-derived matter so it is acceptable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety reviews have not flagged Benzophenone-2 as a special concern for pregnancy or breastfeeding when used at the low levels found in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have their doctor review any skincare products they plan to use.
Benzophenone-2 absorbs rather than amplifies sunlight so it is not considered a photosensitizer. Normal daytime sunscreen habits still apply but the ingredient itself will not make skin more prone to burning.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Benzophenone-2 vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential reactions and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Skin irritation – mild redness stinging or itching can occur especially on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare cases of allergy present as rash swelling or hives
- Eye irritation – if the product migrates into the eyes it may cause watering or a burning sensation
- Hormonal concerns in high doses – laboratory studies suggest endocrine activity at concentrations far above those permitted in cosmetics though real-world topical use is considered low risk
If any discomfort or unusual reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. Benzophenone-2 is a small, water compatible molecule with no oily or waxy components, so it does not block pores or create the kind of film that encourages comedones. As a result it is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts. Because it stays near the skin surface and is usually included at very low concentrations, it has little opportunity to build up inside follicles. No published data link the ingredient to acne flare-ups, and industry assessments list it as non-comedogenic.
Formulators often pair Benzophenone-2 with lightweight lotions, gels or sprays, further reducing any clogging potential. Only if a product also contains heavy butters or occlusive silicones might breakouts occur, and in that case those richer ingredients would be the more likely culprits.
Summary
Benzophenone-2 acts as a fragrance stabilizer, light stabilizer and UV absorber. Its four hydroxyl groups pull in UVB and some UVA energy then convert that energy into less damaging heat, protecting both the formula and the skin or hair it sits on. By keeping fragrance molecules intact and shielding colorants from fading, it helps products smell fresh and look consistent over time.
The ingredient is not as widely used as headline sunscreens like avobenzone or octocrylene, yet it still turns up in niche SPF moisturizers, nail polishes and hair mists where extra photo-stability is needed. Its popularity is steady but modest, largely because newer broad-spectrum filters often take center stage.
Regulatory reviews consider Benzophenone-2 safe at the small amounts allowed in cosmetics, with a comfortable margin below levels that showed hormonal activity in lab tests. Most people tolerate it well, though anyone with very reactive skin should confirm compatibility. As with any new skincare addition, patch testing on a small area for a couple of days is a smart precaution.