Benzophenone-5
Explained
Benzophenone-5 is the water-soluble salt of Benzophenone-4.
In a formula, it has two roles:
- It's an organic UV filter that absorbs UVB and shorter UVA wavelengths.
- It's a stabilizer that protects the product itself from breaking down in light.
What makes it a little different is its sulfonate-plus-sodium structure that makes it water-soluble and easy to formulate into lightweight formulas.
The EU and US FDA recognize this ingredient as a safe and effective OTC sunscreen active. Typical use concentrations are at or below 5%, which is also the cap set by the EU.
In 2025, the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) read safety data from its close analogue, Benzophenone-4, and concluded Benzophenone-5 is safe as a UV filter up to 5% in cosmetics. In that same review, the SCCS couldn't give Benzophenone-2 a clean bill of health, but Benzophenone-5 passed and was judged safe at the allowed amounts.
See all 55 products with Benzophenone-5
