Overview
Benzophenone-4 (BP-4) is an organic compound belonging to the benzophenone class of UV filters. Developed in the 1970s, it has become a staple ingredient in sun protection formulations due to its ability to absorb both UVB and short-wave UVA radiation (280-350 nm). Unlike some hydrophobic UV filters, BP-4's sulfonic acid group makes it water-soluble, expanding its applications to aqueous-based personal care products. The compound is particularly valued in cosmetic chemistry for its photostability and compatibility with other sunscreen actives. Its molecular structure allows it to dissipate absorbed UV energy as heat, preventing degradation and maintaining product efficacy. Regulatory agencies including the FDA and EU Commission approve its use in leave-on and rinse-off products at concentrations up to 10%.
Physical and Chemical Properties
BP-4 typically appears as a pale yellow crystalline powder with a characteristic mild odor. Its water solubility (approximately 25 g/L at 25°C) distinguishes it from most benzophenone derivatives, making it particularly useful in clear formulations. The compound shows good stability across a pH range of 3-9, though prolonged exposure to strong acids or bases may cause decomposition. Spectrophotometric analysis reveals maximum absorption at 288 nm and 325 nm in methanol, with molar extinction coefficients of about 15,000 and 9,000 M−1cm−1 respectively. These optical properties, combined with its photostability (loses <10% effectiveness after 2 MED in standard tests), make it effective for preventing product degradation and skin damage.
Main Applications
The primary use of BP-4 is in sun care products, where it frequently appears in combination with other UV filters to provide broad-spectrum protection. Its water solubility makes it ideal for spray sunscreens, after-sun lotions, and daily moisturizers with SPF. In hair care, it protects color-treated hair from UV fading and is commonly formulated into leave-in conditioners and styling products at 0.5-5% concentrations. Beyond personal care, BP-4 serves as a light stabilizer in clear plastics and coatings, particularly in packaging materials that require UV protection without yellowing. Some industrial applications include protective coatings for textiles and as an additive in printing inks to prevent fading. Its use in these applications typically ranges from 0.1-2% by weight.
Safety and Storage
BP-4 has a favorable safety profile when used as directed. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel classifies it as safe up to 10% concentration in rinse-off products and 6% in leave-on formulations. Occupational exposure limits have not been established, but standard PPE (gloves, goggles) is recommended when handling the pure compound in industrial settings. Proper storage requires protection from moisture and extreme temperatures. Bulk material should be kept in tightly sealed containers at 15-25°C with <60% relative humidity. Under these conditions, the shelf life typically exceeds 24 months. Contamination with heavy metals or other UV actives should be avoided as it may affect both stability and regulatory compliance.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing BP-4, buyers should prioritize suppliers that provide comprehensive documentation including Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and regulatory status statements. Key specifications to verify include purity (≥98%), residual solvents (<0.5%), heavy metal content (<10 ppm), and microbiological limits. For cosmetic applications, ensure the supplier holds appropriate certifications such as ISO 22716 or GMP for cosmetics. Consider ordering samples for compatibility testing before large purchases, particularly when formulating with other UV filters. Market prices fluctuate with benzene (raw material) costs, so establishing long-term contracts during price dips can yield significant savings. Container options typically range from 25kg fiber drums to 1000kg supersacks.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：三硫代碳酸钠、红色素-16、聚乙烯亚胺、巯基苯并噻唑钠、多元醇苯甲酸酯、三乙二醇二异辛酸酯、L-丙交酯、乙交酯、石油酯-T50、热压敏染料、光稳定剂、高分子降解材料
- 主营：聚苯乙烯磺酸钠、2-十一酮、乙酸龙脑酯、乙基黄原酸钾
- 主营：DMF、DMAC、马来酸酐、二丙酮醇、四甲基胍、四氢呋喃、丙二醇、乙二醇、甲酸、甲醇、十二醇、柠檬酸、己二醇、甘油、碳酸丙烯酯、吐温、无水氯化钙、乙酸乙酯、氢氧化钠、二乙醇胺、司盘、过硫酸钠、氧化钙、氯化钾
- 主营：甜菊糖、氯乙酰、酞菁绿、二乙苯、阻燃剂、4316-73-8、二戊烯、单甲醚、硫酸锂、4861-19-2、大理石、1192-62-7、羊脂酸、7783-40-6、磷酸氢、8002-74-2、7782-61-8、龙脑油、2842-44-6、聚甘油、二聚酸、戊二醇、聚醚f68、磺化油、1310-58-3
- 主营：叔碳酸、十八醛、溶菌酶、邻苯二甲、丁烷四乙酸、海藻糖、癸二醇、氨基丙基、氢路噻嗪、乙基碳二、羟基癸酸、正十七烷、谷胱甘肽、烷二甲醇、松果体素、vc磷酸酯镁、2-甲基丁醛、朱栾倍半萜、表面活性剂、癸烷撑二醇、缩水甘油邻、10-羟基羊蜡酸、氢氯噻嗪杂质、盐酸邻菲罗啉、壳聚糖季铵盐
- 主营：碳化锆、碳化铪、硅锆合金粉、四氯化铪粉、硼化铪粉、陶瓷材料、气凝胶粉、氧化铪粉、正十六烷、钒碳化铝、高熵MAX粉、MXene 粉、钛氮化铝粉、碳化硅粉、TMDO
- 主营：苯甲酸系列、生物缓冲剂、农药、合成中间体
- 主营：5-三甲基己醛、正癸酸、樊多B醛、聚苯胺、二苯酮、菲尼酮、聚乙二醇甲醚甲基丙烯酸酯、山梨醇缩水甘油醚、磷脂酸铵盐、谷胱甘肽、二氧化钒、三羟甲基氨基甲烷盐酸盐、3二羟基萘、庚酰氯、茶香醇、苹果酸、菠萝醚
- 主营：二苯酮四酸二酐、精细化工品、润滑油、有机中间体
- 主营：氯化氢乙醇、甲基磺酸铋、阻燃剂DDP、二苯基硅二醇、萃取剂、HTPB、防老剂
- 主营：增塑剂、催化剂、碳酸丙烯酯、四甲基己二胺、亚甲二氧基苯、n-甲基吡咯烷酮、碳酸乙烯酯、医药中间体、碳酸甲乙酯、合成中间体、乙二醇二甲基、无色透明液体、丙烯酸羟乙酯、二丙二醇二甲醚
- 主营：硫化砷、808洗涤剂胰加漂T、N-二甲基乙二胺、间苯二甲胺、4-叔丁基苯基硼酸、4'-二羟基二苯、十二烷基苯磺酸钠、邻苯二甲酸丁苄酯、甲基环戊烯醇酮、增甘膦、N-甲基烟酰胺、富马酸、霜脲氰、顺式-2、6-二甲基、氧化铋、三甲氧基硅烷、紫外线吸收剂、八钼酸铵、聚乙烯醇、1-硫代甘油、己二酸双(2-丁氧基
- 主营：阻燃剂、蒽甲醛、中间体、四氮唑、间甲基苯甲醛、化工原料、香精香料、单丁基氧化锡、二丙酸倍他咪松
- 主营：缓蚀剂、十氢萘、正磷酸、脱硝剂、中间体、日用香精、有机化合物、亚硝酸钠、二硫化碳、氨基磺酸、硫化钠、选矿药剂、浮选剂
- 主营：中间体、表面活性剂、烷基糖苷、十七烯基胺乙基咪唑啉