Is benzophenone-4 safe during pregnancy?
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
benzophenone-4
LOW RISK87
/100
0








Pregnancy-safe products containing benzophenone-4

l-oreal
L'Oreal Evercreme Shampoo
89/100

Lux
Lux Fragrant Skin Black Orchid Scent and Juniper Oil Shower Gel
89/100

BioBalance
BioBalance Organic Pomegranate Long Lasting Color Shampoo
89/100

Superdrug
Superdrug Vitamin E & Almond Oil Body Wash
89/100

Lacura
LACURA Oil Complex Shampoo
89/100

Naturista
Naturista Rose Facial Toner
88/100

L'Oréal
Crème mains protectrice antidéssèchement
88/100
uncategorized
Sense
Fruit Garden Kiwi
88/100

Deliplus
Champú Detox
88/100

Balea
Reinigendes Handgel
88/100
Related ingredients
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Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
- Is benzophenone-4 safe during pregnancy?
- The SCCS (final opinion adopted 27 Mar 2024) concluded benzophenone‑4 is safe as a cosmetic UV filter up to 5% while noting concerns about potential endocrine‑disrupting properties; there is no harmonised CLP reproductive classification (H361/H360) for BP‑4. CIR’s amended benzophenones review compiles toxicology and biomonitoring data but does not identify BP‑4 as a confirmed reproductive teratogen. These authoritative assessments support hazard = 0, but documented in vitro/alternate endocrine signals reported for benzophenone family members justify a limited mechanistic concern (m=1). Dermal absorption is measurable but relatively low (BP‑4 is water‑soluble with low log Kow ~0.37); SCCS exposure assessment underlies the 5% limit, so exposure = 1 (low but measurable).
- Is benzophenone-4 safe while breastfeeding?
- No authoritative agency (SCCS/CIR/ECHA) lists BP‑4 as a reproductive or lactation hazard; biomonitoring literature for benzophenones documents maternal exposure and detection in biological matrices for some benzophenones (most data are for BP‑3), but direct evidence of adverse effects in breastfeeding infants from BP‑4 is lacking. Mechanistic signals for endocrine activity in the benzophenone class justify a low theoretical mechanism score (m=1). Expected transfer to breast milk appears low/limited for BP‑4 specifically, so exposure = 1 (low but measurable).
- Is benzophenone-4 safe for baby skin?
- There is no high‑level evidence (harmonised CLP H361/H360 or human developmental toxicity) implicating BP‑4 as a reproductive/teratogenic hazard; therefore hazard = 0. Mechanistic concern remains theoretical (m=1) based on class signals. Because infant skin has higher permeability and the ingredient has measurable dermal absorption in adults, exposure is increased by +1 for infants (adult e=1 → baby e=2).
- How does VeriMom score benzophenone-4?
- VeriMom scores benzophenone-4 at 87/100 (low 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-4?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to benzophenone-4 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.