VeriMomShould I Avoid 3-benzylidene camphor During Pregnancy? | VeriMom
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
ECHA regulatory hazard statements
- •H361
What to use instead
Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:
Pregnancy-safe products to use instead
Products built around the safer ingredients above, scored "no known risks" or "low risk".
Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to 3-benzylidene camphor | VeriMom
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FAQ
- Is 3-benzylidene camphor safe during pregnancy?
- Authoritative safety review (SCCS, 2013) found multiple in vitro hormonal activities (estrogenic, anti‑estrogenic and anti‑androgenic) and in vivo changes in hormone‑responsive gene expression; SCCS concluded use as a UV filter up to 2% was not safe. ECHA has listed 3‑benzylidene camphor on the REACH Candidate List as an SVHC for endocrine‑disrupting properties and the ingredient is subject to cosmetic prohibitions in EU Annex II. Taken together this supports 'suspected' reproductive/fetal hazard (H=2), demonstrated hormonal mechanisms (M=2) and measurable systemic exposure from topical use (E=2).
- Is 3-benzylidene camphor safe while breastfeeding?
- Same hazard/mechanistic evidence applies (endocrine activity, SCCS concerns; ECHA SVHC listing). Topical cosmetic application can produce measurable systemic levels for lipophilic UV‑filter type compounds, so moderate exposure to the nursing parent (and potential low‑to‑moderate transfer to milk) is plausible though direct milk‑transfer data are lacking; therefore exposure scored as moderate (E=2).
- Is 3-benzylidene camphor safe for baby skin?
- Hazard and mechanism as above (SCCS: endocrine activity; ECHA: SVHC for endocrine disruption). Because infants 0–3 years have an immature skin barrier and higher surface‑area‑to‑body‑weight, exposure score is increased by +1 relative to adult topical exposure (adult E=2 → infant E=3). Infants may therefore be at higher internal exposure and greater sensitivity to hormonal perturbation.
- How does VeriMom score 3-benzylidene camphor?
- VeriMom scores 3-benzylidene camphor at 13/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to 3-benzylidene camphor?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to 3-benzylidene camphor based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.