Is 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
INCI name 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor. CAS 36861-47-9.
Is 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | sunscreen, SPF cosmetics |
| CAS number | 36861-47-9 |
What is 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor?
4-Methylbenzylidene camphor is an organic UVB filter (4-MBC).
Why is 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Is 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor dangerous? Documented risks
A confirmed endocrine disruptor; effectively banned in the EU and not approved in the US.
Products that may contain 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
- sunscreen
- SPF cosmetics
How to avoid 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
Is 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor banned in the EU?
4-Methylbenzylidene camphor is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor in US cosmetics?
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.
What products contain 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor?
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 →Related uv filters
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.