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Annex II Entry 1703 17/11/2023

Benzophenone

Benzophenone is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.

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Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 1703

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 119-61-9
CAS 119-61-9PubChem CID 3102

Benzophenone

Benzophenone appears as white solid with a flowery odor. May float or sink in water. (USCG, 1999) — CAMEO Chemicals

IUPAC name
diphenylmethanone
Molecular formula
C13H10O
Molecular weight
182.22 g/mol
Exact mass
182.073164938 Da
XLogP3
3.4
Topological polar surface area
17.1 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
1
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Diphenyl ketoneBenzoylbenzeneMethanone, diphenyl-Phenyl ketonealpha-OxoditaneKetone, diphenylDiphenylketoneBenzene, benzoyl-
16 more reported names
alpha-OxodiphenylmethaneKayacure bpAdjutan 6016Caswell No. 081GFEMA No. 2134NSC 8077CCRIS 629EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 000315701M4TTV9OCHEBI:41308AI3-00754NSC-8077RefChem:916948204-337-6diphenyl-methanone.alpha.-Oxoditane
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match3102

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 1.8% (84 of 4790) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H373 (37.4%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H411 (74.8%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P273, P319, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 4790 reports by companies from 68 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 84 of 4790 reports by companies.; There are 67 notifications provided by 4706 of 4790 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P264, P270, P280, P301+P317, P318, P319, P330, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: Acute exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Accumulation of ACh at motor nerves causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, fasciculation, and paralysis can be seen. When there is an accumulation of ACh at autonomic ganglia this causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression in the sympathetic system. Symptoms associated with this are hypertension, and hypoglycemia. Overstimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system, due to accumulation of ACh, results in anxiety, headache, convulsions, ataxia, depression of respiration and circulation, tremor, general weakness, and potentially coma. When there is expression of muscarinic overstimulation due to excess acetylcholine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors symptoms of visual disturbances, tightness in chest, wheezing due to bronchoconstriction, incre Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Benzophenone (BZP) comes in the form of orthorhombic prisms, monoclinic prisms, and white crystals. It has a characteristic sweet geranium or rose-like odor. BZP is used as a photoinitiator, a fragrance enhancer, an ultraviolet stabilizer, and, occasionally, as a flavor ingredient; it is also used in the manufacture of insecticides, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals (antihistamines), hypnotics, paints, lacquers and cosmetics; and is an additive for plastics, coatings, and adhesives. Not registered for current use as a pesticide in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: There is limited information on the toxic effects of BZP in humans published. It showed little activity in the hormone-responsive reporter assay tested in various cell lines. ANIMAL STUDIES: BZP showed no estrogenic activity, however, after irradiating an aqueous solution of BZP with UV or sunlight, it can be converted into ring-hydroxylated derivatives (3-hydroxy BP (BP-3OH) and 4-hydroxyBP (BP-4OH)) that have estrogenic activity. BP-4OH was more Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Benzophenone is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. A cholinesterase inhibitor (or 'anticholinesterase') suppresses the action of acetylcholinesterase. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of acetylcholinesterase are potent neurotoxins, causing excessive salivation and eye-watering in low doses, followed by muscle spasms and ultimately death. Nerve gases and many substances used in insecticides have been shown to act by binding a serine in the active site of acetylcholine esterase, inhibiting the enzyme completely. Acetylcholine esterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released at nerve and muscle junctions, in order to allow the muscle or organ to relax. The result of acetylcholine esterase inhibition is that acetylcholine builds up and continues to act so that any nerve impulses are continually transmitted and muscle contractions do not stop. Among the most common acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are phosphorus-based compounds, which are designed to bind to the active site of the enzyme. The structural requirements are a phosphorus atom bearing two lipophilic groups, a leaving group (such as a h Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: BCF values of 3.4-9.2 were measured using carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed to benzophenone concentrations of 0.3 ppm over an 6-week period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF range suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 413(2) and 517(3) indicate that benzophenone is expected to have moderate to low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of benzophenone from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 1.93X10-3 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 137 mg/L(5). Benzophenone is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(6) indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 430(2) and 517(3) indicate that benzophenone is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.93X10-3 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 137 mg/L(6). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 15 and 110 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(7), a BCF range of 3.4-9.2(8) suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(8) indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), benzophenone, which has a vapor pressure of 1.93X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase benzophenone is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.6X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Benzophenone absorbs UV light at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Photosensitive agent; Surface modifier; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Anti-stain agent; Tanning agents not otherwise specified Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used in perfumes, flavoring agents, and organic synthesis; Also used as an inhibitor of styrene polymerization, a photoinitiator, an ultraviolet curing agent, and an additive (plastics, cosmetics, coatings, and adhesives); [HSDB] Occurs naturally in some foods; [AIHA] Benzophenone (BZP), and substituted BZP numbered 1-12, trade mark Uvinul, are photo-screen agents widely used in sunscreens and in cosmetics, such as antiaging creams and hair sprays and shampoos, paints, and plastics. [Kanerva, p. 1755] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For benzophenone (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 000315) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Fixative for heavy perfumes, such as geranium, new-mown hay, especially when used in soaps. In the manufacture of antihistamines, hypnotics, insecticides. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Organic synthesis; ... derivatives are used as ultraviolet absorbers; flavoring; ... polymerization inhibitor for styrene Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Paints, lacquers and varnish industry, cosmetics, intermediate. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for BENZOPHENONE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Benzophenone is found in fruits. Benzophenone is a widely used building block in organic chemistry, being the parent diarylketone. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Chemical name

Benzophenone

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EU) 2023/1490

See every entry this act set

Identified ingredients

Key data

CAS
119-61-9
EC
204-337-6
Annex
II
Entry number
1703

Inventory links for Benzophenone

Inventory Identified ingredient
Ref 74467

BENZOPHENONE

CAS: 119-61-9
EC: 204-337-6

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.

What Annex II means for Benzophenone

Benzophenone is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.

Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
  • Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
  • Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Benzophenone is listed in Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is prohibited as an intentionally added cosmetic ingredient. Article 17 provides a narrow exception for unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice, provided the product remains safe under Article 3.

CAS 119-61-9 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Benzophenone by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex II record Benzophenone

This page summarizes one Annex II record for Benzophenone from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for Benzophenone, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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