Baby Safety / Compounds / Benzophenone-1 (UV-0)

Is Benzophenone-1 (UV-0) safe for babies and kids?

Elevated risk for kids

Infants are more vulnerable to Benzophenone-1 (UV-0) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.

What is benzophenone-1 (uv-0)?

The IUPAC name is (2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone.

Also known as: (2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone, 2,4-DIHYDROXYBENZOPHENONE, Benzoresorcinol, Resbenzophenone.

IUPAC name
(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone
CAS number
131-56-6
Molecular formula
C13H10O3
Molecular weight
214.22 g/mol
SMILES
C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)C2=C(C=C(C=C2)O)O
PubChem CID
8572

Risk for babies

Elevated risk

Infants are more vulnerable to Benzophenone-1 (UV-0) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.

Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.

What to do: Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

Risk for pregnant and nursing people

Elevated risk

Pregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Benzophenone-1 (UV-0), potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.

Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.

What to do: Minimize exposure during pregnancy and lactation. Consult healthcare provider regarding specific risks. Consider alternative products with lower hazard profiles.

Regulatory consensus

1 regulatory bodyhas classified Benzophenone-1 (UV-0).

AgencyYearClassificationNotes
IARC2020Not evaluated independently — the parent compound benzophenone (CAS 119-61-9) was classified IARC Group 2A (possibly carcinogenic to humans — IARC Monographs Volume 101, 2013); benzophenone-1 (2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone; BP-1; UV-0) is a hydroxylated benzophenone UV absorber assessed by SCCS in cosmetics; exhibits estrogenic activity in vitro; EU regulatory concern as potential endocrine disruptor

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where kids encounter benzophenone-1 (uv-0)

  • Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
  • Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
  • Personal Care — sunscreen, moisturizer with SPF, foundation, lip balm

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Benzophenone-1 (UV-0):

  • Fragrance-free formulations
    Trade-offs: Consumer preference for scented products
    Relative cost: Lower (ingredient elimination)
  • Essential oil-based fragrances (with disclosure)
    Trade-offs: Natural does not mean safe — many essential oils are skin sensitizers
    Relative cost: 2-5× conventional

Frequently asked questions

Is benzophenone-1 (uv-0) safe for kids?

Infants are more vulnerable to Benzophenone-1 (UV-0) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.

What products contain benzophenone-1 (uv-0)?

Benzophenone-1 (UV-0) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments); sunscreen (Personal care).

What should I do if my child is exposed to benzophenone-1 (uv-0)?

Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

See Benzophenone-1 (UV-0) in the baby app

Look up products containing benzophenone-1 (uv-0), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.

Open in baby View raw API data

Sources (1)
  1. SCCS Opinion SCCS/1623/20 Benzophenone-1 UV Filter Cosmetics Not Safe Systemic Absorption; IARC Volume 101 2013 Benzophenone Parent Compound Group 2A; ERalpha Estrogenic Activity Weak; EU Cosmetics Annex VI Removal; FDA GRASE Rulemaking OTC Sunscreen 2019; Thyroid Disruption; WWTP Aquatic Detection Vitellogenin Fish; Oxybenzone BP-3 Class Concern (2020) — regulatory

Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →