Beauty · Endocrine disruptors

Is Benzophenone-1 Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Benzophenone-1 is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).

INCI name Benzophenone-1. CAS 131-56-6.

Is Benzophenone-1 banned in the EU?

Benzophenone-1 (Benzophenone-1) is a UV absorber.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.

An endocrine disruptor restricted in EU cosmetics.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Benzophenone-1 banned in the EU?

Benzophenone-1 is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Benzophenone-1 in US cosmetics?

Yes — Benzophenone-1 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 Benzophenone-1?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Benzophenone-1 automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Benzophenone-1?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Benzophenone-1.

Is Benzophenone-1 in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Benzophenone-1 or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.