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ProhibitedBinding ruleGBOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Benzophenone

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex II.

All Great Britain recordsOpen ingredient profileCompare all marketsOpen official source

Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Prohibited
Legal role
Binding rule
Regulatory summary
The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex II.
Conditions and restrictions
A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. Open the cited source and apply the market-wide requirements below.

Substance identity

Official source name
Benzophenone
CAS
119-61-9
EC
204-337-6
Identity mapping
cas_number
Linked ingredient
BENZOPHENONE
Search this identity across the siteCAS 119-61-9EC 204-337-6

Linked CosIng identity data

Names and aliases

BENZOPHENONE

CosIng description: Benzophenone

Recorded cosmetic function: FRAGRANCE, UV ABSORBER

Function pages:FRAGRANCE, UV ABSORBER

View the complete ingredient profile

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

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

Verified chemistry for CAS 119-61-9

Benzophenone

IUPAC name
diphenylmethanone
Molecular formula
C13H10O
Molecular weight
182.22 g/mol
Exact mass
182.073164938 Da
Monoisotopic mass
182.073164938 Da
XLogP3
3.4
Topological polar surface area
17.1 Ų
Molecular complexity
165.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
1
Rotatable bonds
2
Heavy atoms
14
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

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 recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D pharmacophore features
3
3D rings
2
3D hydrophobes
0
3D acceptor features
1
3D donor features
0
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
1
Effective 3D rotors
2.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2
InChI
InChI=1S/C13H10O/c14-13(11-7-3-1-4-8-11)12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1-10H
InChIKey
RWCCWEUUXYIKHB-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Official source and provenance

Registered source
Great Britain Cosmetics Regulation — consolidated Annexes II–VI and amendments
Source reference
GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 1704
Source record ID
II-1704
Source version
2026-08-15
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Effective date
2026-08-15
Source updated
2026-08-19
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:51 UTC
Validation method
legislation.gov.uk XML table parse; {'II': 1758, 'III': 326, 'IV': 154, 'V': 57, 'VI': 34}
SHA-256
e3a386d950f54c6e7a7f9e784d1bd46e52de725137e89d5630709824475215d8

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Complete consolidated GB Annexes II–VI, with later amendments versioned separately
Authority note
Binding GB schedules and versioned amendments to retained Regulation 1223/2009; applies to England, Wales and Scotland, not Northern Ireland
Source licence
Open Government Licence v3.0 / Crown copyright
Attribution
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

2329
current Great Britain records
1758
records marked Prohibited
2329
records from this source version
2015
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Permitted list with conditions: 245Prohibited: 1758Restricted: 326

Condition text is present on 517 of 2329 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

Great Britain market context

Complete consolidated annex dataset

Coverage version: GB retained Regulation 1223/2009 schedules, effective 15 August 2026

Current consolidated Annexes II–VI for England, Scotland and Wales.

Verification checklist

  1. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  2. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  3. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  4. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Benzophenone” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  3. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  4. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  5. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECAvailable
  • Separate condition textNot present in source row
  • Effective dateAvailable
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope. Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

The record cites GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 1704, source version 2026-08-15. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

Benzophenone. GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 1704. Great Britain. Source version 2026-08-15. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/gb/records/6059/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for Great Britain

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope.

Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

How to interpret the legal role

The cited row forms part of a binding rule or legally incorporated list for this market.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Prohibited
  • Legal role: Binding rule
  • Source version: 2026-08-15
  • Effective date: 2026-08-15

What it does not prove

No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

Research this identity at the source

OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

Research this identity at the source

US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source