Description
What is Benzophenone-3?
Benzophenone-3 is an organic UV filter used in sunscreen and personal care products. It absorbs both UVA and UVB rays, providing broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful rays. As a fine white powder (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone), it helps prevent sunburn and premature skin aging. Cosmetic manufacturers use benzophenone-3 to boost sun protection in lotions, creams, lip balms, and other skin-care formulations.
Why Formulators Use Benzophenone-3
- Broad-Spectrum UV Protection: Absorbs UVA and UVB radiation to shield skin from sunburn and damage. It helps sunscreen products achieve higher SPF and prevent tanning.
- Formula Photostabilizer: Very stable under sunlight; it prevents other UV filters and ingredients from degrading in sun-exposed products. This keeps formulas effective for longer.
- Flexible Solubility: Easily dissolves in oils, alcohols, and silicones, making it simple to mix into lotions, creams, and makeups. Its compatibility with common cosmetic solvents allows smooth formulation in various product types.
- Protects Color and Actives: Preserves hair color and cosmetic pigments by blocking UV light. It also maintains the stability of fragrances and other actives exposed to light.
- Regulatory Acceptance: Benzophenone-3 is widely approved in sunscreens around the world. It meets global cosmetic safety standards (allowed up to 6% in the US and 10% in the EU) and is trusted by formulators to deliver reliable UV filtering.
How to Use Benzophenone-3
Handling Note: Benzophenone-3 is a fine crystalline powder. Wear a dust mask and gloves to avoid inhaling or touching it directly. It has a melting point around 62–65 °C, so it dissolves easily when warmed.
Extent of Use, by Product Type:
These are typical ranges. For higher SPF products, use the top end. For daily moisturizers with sunscreen, you can use lower percentages. Always follow local regulations on maximum concentrations.
Target pH: Benzophenone-3 is neutral and stable over a wide pH range. Aim for a final product pH around 4.5 to 6.5 for skin and hair formulations. Adjust with citric acid or similar if needed.
Formulation Build Order:
- Oil Phase: Heat your oil phase to about 60 °C. Add benzophenone-3 to the warm oil or solvent (e.g., alcohol or propylene glycol) and stir until fully dissolved.
- Emulsion: In a separate container, heat the water phase (if making a lotion) to 70 °C and begin stirring.
- Combine Phases: Slowly add the dissolved benzophenone-3 oil phase into the water phase with mixing to form an emulsion.
- Cool Down: Mix thoroughly and cool the batch to below 40 °C.
- Finishing: Add heat-sensitive ingredients last (fragrances, actives, preservatives) at below 40 °C. Continue gentle mixing until fully incorporated.
What You Can Make With Benzophenone-3
- Sunscreen Lotions & Creams: Broad-spectrum SPF face and body sunscreens.
- Sun Protection Sprays and Oils: Lightweight UV-protective sprays and tanning oils.
- Skin Care with SPF: Daily moisturizers, serums, and gels that offer sun protection.
- Lip Balms and Lipsticks: SPF lip care and makeup products to protect lips from UV.
- Hair & Color Care: Shampoos, conditioners, and hair mists formulated to protect hair color and scalp from sun damage.
Why Order From Stexol
- COA With Every Batch: We provide a Certificate of Analysis for each batch. This ensures the quality and purity of benzophenone-3 so your products meet standards.
- No Minimum Order Pressure: Order exactly what you need. We supply from small packs up to large bulk quantities, with no minimum order pressure.
- Tiered Pricing for Larger Orders: Save more on bigger orders. We offer discounted pricing as you scale up your order size.
- Same-Day Dispatch: Order by midday and we ship the same day. Get your raw materials fast so you can start manufacturing immediately.
FAQs
Q: What is benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) used for?
A: It is a UV filter used in sunscreens and skin-care products to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Q: What products commonly use benzophenone-3?
A: Sunscreen lotions, facial moisturizers, lip balms, makeup, and hair care products often contain benzophenone-3 for sun protection.
Q: What is the recommended usage level of benzophenone-3?
A: Typical levels are 2% to 6% in sunscreen formulas and up to 1% in hair care. Always follow local cosmetic regulations.
Q: How should benzophenone-3 be stored?
A: Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Under these conditions, it remains stable for about 3 years.
Q: Is benzophenone-3 safe to use?
A: Yes. It is an approved sunscreen ingredient in many countries and is considered safe when used at regulated levels.
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