Is Bisoctrizole safe for babies and kids?
Context-dependent for kids(Babies-specific data is limited; this page draws from human pregnant context.) Pregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Bisoctrizole, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
What is bisoctrizole?
The IUPAC name is 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol.
Also known as: 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol, Tinosorb M, MBBT, 2,4-bis(tert-butyl)-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol.
- IUPAC name
- 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol
- CAS number
- 103597-45-1
- Molecular formula
- C31H33N3O3
- Molecular weight
- 495.61 g/mol
- SMILES
- C(C(C(=O)O)N)SC(=CCl)Cl
- PubChem CID
- 6433207
Risk for babies
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Bisoctrizole, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Bisoctrizole, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Bisoctrizole. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU_Cosmetics_Regulation | — | — | Annex VI approved at ≤10%; excellent stability and photostability |
| FDA_OTC | — | — | Not approved for US OTC sunscreens; available in EU, Australia, Japan, and other markets |
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 bisoctrizole
- premium_sunscreen
- water_resistant_sunscreen
- facial_sunscreen
- sports_sunscreen
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Bisoctrizole:
-
Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) — no systemic absorption
Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
-
UPF-rated clothing and physical sun protection
Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
What products contain bisoctrizole?
Bisoctrizole appears in: premium sunscreen; water resistant sunscreen; facial sunscreen.
See Bisoctrizole in the baby app
Look up products containing bisoctrizole, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- PubChem Compound CID 6433207 — database
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 103597-45-1 — reference
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 →