Benzophenone-4
BEN-zo-feh-known FOUR
What Is Benzophenone-4?
A water-soluble UV filter used to protect hair product formulations from UV degradation. It helps maintain product color and stability rather than directly protecting hair from sun damage.
Source: Synthetic organic compound
Origin: Synthetic
Also known as: Sulisobenzone, BP-4
What Does Benzophenone-4 Do to Your Hair?
Absorbs UV radiation to protect product formulations from light-induced degradation and discoloration. Helps maintain the stability and shelf life of light-sensitive ingredients in hair products.
Best For
Color-treated hair, products with light-sensitive ingredients
Not Recommended For
Sensitive scalp
Concentration Matters
0.1-1% in hair products
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Some concern about endocrine disruption potential, though evidence is limited at cosmetic concentrations. Can cause photoallergic contact dermatitis in rare cases. Used at low concentrations in hair products.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA permits use as a UV filter in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
EWG Score: 5/10
HairAide Verdict
Primarily protects the product formula rather than your hair. Some endocrine disruption concerns exist. If UV protection for your hair is the goal, look for Polysilicone-15 or physical UV blockers instead.
Products That Contain Benzophenone-4
Color-protect shampoos, UV-protect sprays, styling products
Alternatives to Benzophenone-4
If you want to avoid Benzophenone-4, look for products with these ingredients instead:
Polysilicone-15, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Frequently Asked Questions
Benzophenone-4 has a safety rating of 6/10. It's generally acceptable but may cause issues for some hair types. Some concern about endocrine disruption potential, though evidence is limited at cosmetic concentrations. Can cause photoallergic contact dermatitis in rare cases. Used at low concentrations in hair products.
Benzophenone-4 is not CG-method approved. Curly hair types may want to avoid this ingredient or use products containing it sparingly.
No, Benzophenone-4 is not approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Benzophenone-4 include: Polysilicone-15, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
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