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Benzophenone-4 (Sulisobenzone)

Benzophenone-4 · SulisobenzoneSPF filter

Water-soluble UVB sunscreen filter; PPARγ activation in cell models raises endocrine concern flags

What it does

Benzophenone-4 (sulisobenzone) is a water-soluble UVB filter used in sunscreens and UV-protective cosmetics. It is effective at absorbing UVB radiation and is compatible with other sunscreen actives. Recent in vitro research demonstrates it activates PPARγ, a nuclear receptor involved in fat cell differentiation, at relevant concentrations — placing it in the category of potential endocrine-disrupting compounds / obesogens. Current regulatory status (EU, FDA) does not restrict its use, but the emerging evidence warrants noting for informed users. For those seeking to minimize endocrine-concern UV filters, mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are the most studied alternatives.

The evidence, graded

emergingBenzophenone-4 (sulisobenzone) is a water-soluble UVB filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics. Recent mechanistic evidence identifies it as a PPARγ agonist in cell models, raising potential obesogenic/endocrine-disrupting concerns; regulatory status remains unchanged but ongoing scrutiny warrants noting.Gong 2026 · Toxicology ↗

Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.

Also known as

sulisobenzone, benzophenone 4, bp-4

Pairs worth knowing

Zinc Oxide (sunscreen) · works together ↗Titanium Dioxide · works together ↗Avobenzone · works together ↗

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