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InventoryRef 7446715/10/2010

BENZOPHENONE

Benzophenone

BENZOPHENONE is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page.

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Regulatory evidence by market

This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.

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MarketEvidence statusRecordsSource language
European UnionEvidence linked
Prohibited entry found
Open this evidence		1English and EU languages
Great BritainEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1English
CanadaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English and French
New ZealandSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
ASEANEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1English and national languages
ChinaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Chinese with selected English material
JapanSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Japanese; official English translation available
South KoreaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Korean with some English names
United StatesSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
AustraliaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
BrazilSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Arabic and English

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.

Inventory details for BENZOPHENONE

INCI name

BENZOPHENONE

Description

Benzophenone

Record provenance

Inventory reference
74467
Imported identity
BENZOPHENONE
Source update
15/10/2010
European Commission CosIng source notes
Annex II Identified ingredient
Entry 1703

Benzophenone

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

Key data

CAS
119-61-9
EC
204-337-6
Restriction
—
Function
FRAGRANCE
Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
UV ABSORBER
Protecting the cosmetic product from the effects of UV-light.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.

#3215 · BENZOPHENONE

The markets do not agree about this substance: it is prohibited in some and permitted under conditions in others, across the 5 markets that hold a rule for it.

prohibited
European UnionGreat BritainASEANSaudi Arabia
restricted
Canada

See every substance the markets disagree about

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHORLIGHT STABILIZER, UV ABSORBER, UV FILTER
ACETAMINOSALOLANTIMICROBIAL, UV ABSORBER
ALLANTOIN PABASKIN CONDITIONING, UV ABSORBER
BENZALPHTHALIDEUV ABSORBER
BENZOPHENONE-1UV ABSORBER
BENZOPHENONE-10UV ABSORBER
BENZOPHENONE-11UV ABSORBER
BENZOPHENONE-12UV ABSORBER

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight

ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal

How BENZOPHENONE appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists BENZOPHENONE as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

BENZOPHENONE is also tagged with 2 cosmetic functions in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

BENZOPHENONE appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, BENZOPHENONE carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 119-61-9 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.
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Source note for BENZOPHENONE

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for BENZOPHENONE with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.

Use this inventory page to research BENZOPHENONE and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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