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Answer: Yes — 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: sunscreen, SPF cosmetics.
TL;DR: 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor. CAS 36861-47-9.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | sunscreen, SPF cosmetics |
| CAS number | 36861-47-9 |
4-Methylbenzylidene camphor is an organic UVB filter (4-MBC).
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
A confirmed endocrine disruptor; effectively banned in the EU and not approved in the US.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of 4-Methylbenzylidene camphorwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
4-Methylbenzylidene camphor is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.