Should I Avoid benzophenone-1 During Pregnancy? | VeriMom

What to use instead

Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:

Pregnancy-safe products to use instead

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Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to benzophenone-1 | VeriMom

Ingredients — Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated

See also

• Is benzophenone-1 safe during pregnancy?
• Is benzophenone-1 safe for babies?
• What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to benzophenone-1?

FAQ

Is benzophenone-1 safe during pregnancy?

Benzophenone-1 (2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone; CAS 131-56-6) has a harmonised ECHA classification for reproductive toxicity H361 (suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child), which justifies h=2. Peer-reviewed in vitro and mechanistic studies show endocrine activity (estrogenic activity in MCF‑7 cells and inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes including 17β‑HSD3), supporting a demonstrated mechanism (m=2). As a small lipophilic UV‑filter with documented biological activity and use in topical products, dermal uptake is plausible and judged moderate for pregnancy exposure (e=2). Sources: ECHA C&L / substance profile; SCCS activity on BP‑1; PubMed mechanistic studies; CIR review.

Is benzophenone-1 safe while breastfeeding?

Same hazard basis (ECHA harmonised H361) applies for lactation (h=2). Mechanistic data (in vitro estrogenic effects and inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes) indicate potential endocrine activity relevant to breast tissue and hormonal regulation (m=2). Exposure via systemic uptake from topical use is assessed as moderate (e=2), consistent with other benzophenone UV‑filters which show measurable absorption and systemic detection in biomonitoring studies (see cited literature).

Is benzophenone-1 safe for baby skin?

Hazard (h=2) and mechanistic (m=2) ratings follow the harmonised classification and the demonstrated endocrine activity. Exposure for infants (0–3 yr) is increased by one category compared with adults because immature/ thinner skin and higher surface‑area‑to‑weight ratio raise dermal uptake for ingredients with measurable absorption, so e=3. There is no infant‑specific evidence to increase h or m further.

How does VeriMom score benzophenone-1?

VeriMom scores benzophenone-1 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 benzophenone-1?

See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to benzophenone-1 based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.