Sulisobenzone, once a niche name, started to draw attention with the broader push for sun protection in the early decades of synthetic sun filters. During the middle part of the twentieth century, researchers in photochemistry were starting to worry about the effects of ultraviolet rays. Chemists and physicians watched skin cancer rates climb, so sunscreen became a booming field. Out of a raft of new compounds came sulisobenzone, a benzophenone derivative, which promised to absorb both UVB and short-wave UVA radiation. The product gained ground, especially in North America and parts of Europe, as regulators began to tighten rules surrounding sunscreen ingredients to better protect health. Pharmaceutical houses and chemical companies spent time and money tweaking formulations, making sulisobenzone a core ingredient in over-the-counter protective products.
The ingredient goes by several names; sulisobenzone appears on many ingredient lists, but the INCI registry tags it as Benzophenone-4. Its main job: absorb harmful rays. That core function made it a mainstay in lotions, creams, and even some makeup. Over the years, companies started to blend sulisobenzone into more sprays, gels, and hair products, always pointing to its ability to guard skin and sometimes color from the sun’s punch. Shoppers rarely notice the name, but researchers track it in studies about sunscreen effectiveness, safety, and the puzzling persistence of chemical filters in aquatic environments.
This compound sits as a white or pale yellow crystalline powder at room temperature. Melting point hovers between 125–132°C, making it stable enough for most standard sunscreen processing. It dissolves well in water—an unusual trait for a UV filter—compared to its more oil-liking relatives. Chemically, sulisobenzone comes from the benzophenone family, bearing two aromatic rings linked by a central carbonyl group, decorated here with a sulphonic acid sodium salt and a hydroxy group. This structure lets the molecule suck up photons in both UVB and shorter UVA regions, let’s say from 280 nm up to about 340 nm, converting the energy into harmless heat.
Regulatory bodies in the United States (FDA) and Europe (EMA, SCCS) set specifications for sunscreens, and sulisobenzone doesn’t slip past the paperwork. Typical formulations use sulisobenzone at concentrations up to 10 percent. Products circle through mandatory stability and purity tests; any batch must show impurity levels under tightly controlled limits—heavy metals, residual solvents, microbiological content all get checked. On the shelves, the ingredient lines up as Benzophenone-4. Labels, following INCI norms, sometimes write out its full chemical handle: 5-benzoyl-4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt. Product sheets point out its solubility, melting point, and optical absorption range, echoing the needs of regulatory and formulation chemists.
Making this filter is not especially exotic by organic chemistry standards; its route follows classic sulfonation and etherification steps. Starting from p-hydroxybenzophenone, sulfonating agents (often sulfuric acid or fuming sulfuric acid) introduce the sulfonic acid group. A neutralization step hooks on the sodium ion. Sometimes producers start with benzene, work up to benzophenone, then hydrolyze and sulfonate as they refine the process for yield and purity. The choice of solvents and temperature plays a role in controlling the ratio of side products. The industry has spent decades refining these steps to make high-purity batches on an industrial scale, focusing on cost and scalability as demand grew in the 1980s and 1990s.
Researchers tinker with the benzophenone skeleton to get better or broader absorption. Sulisobenzone can undergo esterification, etherification, even further sulfonation, depending on the desired tweak to UV protection or solubility. Chemists sometimes discuss substitution at the aromatic rings; shifting a methyl or ethoxy group can play with the absorption curve. This gives formulators options: they can combine sulisobenzone with other actives for broader UV coverage, or use derivatives in experimental sunscreen blends. The core chemical stays robust under most lab conditions; it doesn’t break down easily under light, though it may degrade under extreme pH or persistent strong UV.
Benzophenone-4 is the most frequently used shorthand in cosmetics. The INCI registry holds it as Benzophenone-4; industry chemists sometimes say sodium sulisobenzone. European documents might use sulisobenzonum natricum or its EINECS code. Technical papers sometimes drop its full systematic name: sodium 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonate. These names all track the same molecule; buyers and regulators keep watch so nothing slips by in translation.
Any discussion about sunscreen filters swings back to safe use, both for people mixing the raw product and for consumers. Plant operators working with solid sulisobenzone use basic PPE—gloves, goggles, dust masks when handling powder. All storage keeps the compound cool and dry in well-sealed drums. Factories follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and prioritize batch traceability, so if a problem batch ever lands in the marketplace, it can be traced and contained. Finished products, especially sunscreens, roll off the line only after they pass microbial testing and photostability trials. Standard operating procedures warn against mixing with strong acids or bases outside of controlled conditions, as these could cause breakdown products. Any spillage cleanup uses industrial wet mops with waste tracked for sodium content.
Most people experience sulisobenzone blended into creams, sprays, sticks, and gels on the drugstore shelf. Some fabric manufacturers mix the compound into textile coatings to make UV-protective clothing for outdoor workers, athletes, or beachgoers. Its water solubility sometimes attracts formulators working with shampoos or conditioners, for consumers hoping to protect colored or chemically treated hair from sun-induced fading. A few food-grade packaging designers use related benzophenones as UV shielders in wraps. Dentists occasionally spot the name in dental resin blends, where UV stability is handy.
Much of the modern research digs for better ways to make sunscreens both powerful and less intrusive. Scientists monitor absorption characteristics, persistence in the environment, and metabolism on human skin. Analytical chemists in industry labs analyze how sulisobenzone interacts with skin proteins, how rapidly it washes off in chlorinated water, and what breakdown products might lurk in wastewater runoff. Environmental scientists keep an eye on traces of sulisobenzone in rivers and lakes, debating whether sunscreen runoff plays a role in coral or algae health. Makers of hybrid sunscreen blend sulisobenzone’s water-loving nature with oil-soluble filters, rolling out new emulsifiers and stabilizers to cut down on irritation.
For years, toxicologists have tracked its fate on skin. Human absorption remains low when used as directed; blood tests in clinical volunteers rarely show elevated levels except after high and repeated exposures. Animal studies point to a low acute toxicity; major regulatory authorities describe it as non-carcinogenic under regular use. Dermal irritation or allergic response remain rare, though it can act as an allergen for people with existing benzophenone sensitivity. A broader concern in the last fifteen years has come from aquatic toxicity; studies found that filter compounds can show up in fish or invertebrates, sometimes shifting reproductive cycles when concentrations run high in the wild. Chemical engineers and formulators are testing micro-encapsulation and film-forming agents that keep more of the filter on the skin instead of rinsing into water.
Market pressures and shifting regulations shape the path for sulisobenzone. Consumer demand for higher SPF products spurs companies to combine filters for better coverage, but many are also searching for simpler, less controversial molecules that meet all safety and environmental tests. Chemical innovation presses onward; university partners run tests on next-generation derivatives, hunting for a molecule that protects across more of the UV spectrum with minimal skin or ecosystem risk. Some companies target the water solubility as a flaw, experimenting with delivery systems that bond sulisobenzone onto larger, non-rinsing polymers or mesh it with inorganic agents like zinc oxide. As green chemistry takes deeper root in cosmetic science, the field weighs each compound for both protection and persistence in nature.
Step outside in the summer heat and you’ll notice sunscreen becomes almost as important as your wallet or keys. Sulisobenzone, which some might spot on ingredient lists as benzophenone-4, does the heavy lifting in a surprising number of these formulas. Its main job? Blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, the kind that cause skin damage and spur on everything from sunburn to more serious problems like skin cancer.
This molecule acts as a UV filter, soaking up both UVA and UVB rays. Many basic sunscreens only focus on UVB, the rays that cook your skin and cause redness. UVA slips a little further into the skin, speeding up wrinkles and raising cancer risks over time. Sulisobenzone isn’t picky; it grabs rays from both spectrums, giving that extra layer of defense you always hope your sunscreen provides.
What really stands out about sulisobenzone is its water-soluble quality. Take a look at sunscreens made for people who swim or sweat a lot; this ingredient makes the cut because it can blend comfortably in those clear or gel-based products. It covers the bases for folks with oilier skin too. Instead of worrying about that greasy film, you get some genuine UV shielding without feeling smothered.
Beyond the sunscreen aisle, sulisobenzone also pops up in lip balms, moisturizers, and even in some foundations. Full-spectrum protection doesn't just matter at the beach. Heading out to a sunny café? The foundation you brushed on could be quietly protecting your skin from damage you won’t notice until years later. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers sulisobenzone generally safe, setting limits on concentration to ensure products don’t go overboard. For most people, allergy or sensitivity to this ingredient rarely becomes a concern.
Personal experience shapes trust in a product. Like most fair-skinned folks, I spent younger years battling stubborn burns from forgetting an extra layer at noon. After learning how sun damage builds up—how much it matters to choose the right sunscreen—I started looking for sulisobenzone on labels, especially when hoping to avoid that heavy, greasy feeling. It handled the basics: fewer burns, less irritation, no allergic flare-ups.
This molecule’s effectiveness catches the eye of dermatologists and consumer safety groups for a reason. The American Academy of Dermatology singles out broad-spectrum products as vital steps, with sulisobenzone forming a backbone for these formulas. Melanoma rates in places like Australia showed visible improvement as people accepted protective habits and regulations ushered in better sunscreens—sulisobenzone played a part in that push.
Not everyone feels comfortable with chemical ingredients, and some environmental groups bring up issues of certain UV filters harming aquatic life. Research hasn’t placed sulisobenzone on the worst-offending list, but manufacturers keep eyes on both safety and sustainability. Solutions include developing better biodegradable sunscreens, cutting microplastics, and supporting stronger consumer education. People also want sunscreens that blend into any skin tone and last through pool games and marathon runs—this motivates engineers and chemists to keep refining formulas.
Sunscreen ingredients aren’t just pharmaceutical trivia. They protect millions who live under harsh sunlight or on high-altitude trails. Sulisobenzone helps close the gaps in everyday personal care: from the schoolyard to the construction site. Building the best line of defense against UV damage often starts with picking ingredients that work, and relying on the science and experience backing up those choices. That’s where sulisobenzone stays relevant.
Sunscreen shelves look crowded with chemical names, but sulisobenzone stands out as an old-school broad-spectrum UV filter. It pops up in many lotions and sprays, blocking out both UVA and UVB rays, which helps shield skin from burns and the effects of sun exposure. On paper, the idea makes sense: keep skin safe, avoid DNA damage, and lower skin cancer risk.
Sensitive skin pushes people to dig deeper before trusting any ingredient. According to years of dermatological research, sulisobenzone rarely triggers serious allergies or long-lasting irritation for most folks. Still, certain people run into problems even with so-called "gentle" ingredients. Anyone who reacted badly to products filled with parabens or fragrances knows a supposed hypoallergenic claim does not always live up to its promise.
The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes sulisobenzone as a low-risk sunscreen ingredient. Studies rarely link it to dangerous reactions, and the FDA has approved it for over-the-counter use in concentrations up to 5%. Most visible cases of irritation from sunscreen usually trace back to added fragrances, preservatives, or other filters known for spiking allergic responses.
On a personal note, working in the garden and going on daily runs meant trying dozens of sunscreen products across the years. My skin gets prickly from alcohol-heavy sprays and some drugstore formulas heavy with oxybenzone, but the ones using sulisobenzone seem less likely to sting or leave red patches behind. Not every experience mirrors mine, though; online forums and skincare communities reveal scattered reports of redness or pimples after sunscreens with this ingredient, but nothing in the league of notorious troublemakers like avobenzone or PABA.
It helps to become a label detective if your skin flares up easily. Many sensitive skin advocates point to the full ingredient list, not just one filter. Dermatologists preach the importance of patch testing—a small dab on the forearm for a day or two lets you spot trouble before spreading it all over your face. This small ritual saves a lot of itchy regret, especially if you jump between brands or formulas. Sulisobenzone, by itself, doesn’t carry major red flags. Mixed with heavy fragrances or alcohol, things get riskier for reactive skin types.
Shopping for sunscreen involves more than just checking for sulisobenzone. Mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide draw a cult following among people with eczema or rosacea, since these particles simply sit on top of the skin instead of dissolving in pores. If chemical formulas still appeal, picking fragrance-free and non-comedogenic options helps cut down rashes and breakouts.
The skincare market keeps introducing new blends; brands now release lines specifically labeled for sensitive faces, using milder preservatives and skipping potential irritants. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist can bring targeted recommendations. Many skin clinics test common sunscreen filters, including sulisobenzone, to spot if someone’s immune system flags it as a problem.
Consumers now expect sun care products to do more than block UV—people want them to soothe, hydrate, and avoid stirring up old skin problems. Companies partly listen, as sunscreen technology leans towards lightweight, gentle textures that still deliver high SPF. Sulisobenzone stays in the mix because it works, but those dealing with flare-ups learn that safe results hinge on the total formula, not just a single UV filter. The sun will always demand respect, yet even finicky skin can stay protected with the right mix of science, caution, and careful trial and error.
Talking about suntan lotion, a person always wants that little bottle to block out as many harmful rays as possible. Sulisobenzone, also known as benzophenone-4, gets tossed into sunscreen formulas for its knack at soaking up ultraviolet light. Many drugstore shelves line up bottles with "broad spectrum" labels, and some slip sulisobenzone into the mix. The real question is, does this actually keep both UVB and UVA rays off your skin?
UVB rays give you those classic red sunburns. Sulisobenzone does a decent job curbing these, since it blocks a chunk of the UVB range. On weekend hiking trips, sunscreens with sulisobenzone have saved my skin from burning, even in tough midday sun. The label looks comforting. That's only part of the picture, though.
UVA rays don’t let up. They burrow deeper, aging skin and hiking up the risk of skin cancer. The FDA and dermatologists started pushing for broad spectrum protection after research linked skin cancer and aging not just to burns, but to this sneaky UVA group.
Digging through published data, sulisobenzone absorbs a slice of UVA—but not the whole range. It targets the short end, known as UVA2 (320-340 nm), but starts losing power as the wavelength stretches. The longer-wave UVA1 rays (340-400 nm) slip past it. In fact, most broad spectrum experts agree: true full-spectrum defense means reaching into both UVA2 and UVA1, not leaving gaps that can still damage the skin’s DNA.
Many European formulas now lean on filters like Tinosorb S or Mexoryl XL, which cover much broader UVA territory. The FDA hasn’t approved all these ingredients stateside, but the agency does require a specific test (critical wavelength at least 370 nm) for the "broad spectrum" label in the USA. Sulisobenzone alone can't get a product past that bar.
Producers pair sulisobenzone with other filters—like avobenzone or zinc oxide—to fill those UVA gaps. That’s something I learned the hard way. Years ago, I grabbed a bottle that only packed sulisobenzone for UVA, and I ended up with new freckles anyway. It took a bit of label reading and research to realize that one name can't do it all.
Years of patient stories show that some folks with sensitive skin can react to benzophenone-type filters. Sulisobenzone can cause allergic rashes in rare cases, especially in people prone to eczema or other sensitivities. Some studies point out that high use in children or infants isn’t well researched, so extra caution makes sense.
Sunscreens work better if they combine several ingredients. For folks worried about broadest UVA coverage, mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide coat a wider range. Newer chemical agents also stretch further into the UVA1 zone. If you have to buy US drugstore sunscreen, scan the label for a mix—avobenzone, zinc oxide, or newer ingredients plus sulisobenzone gives a real shot at broad protection.
In the end, sulisobenzone covers its slice, mostly UVB and a bit of UVA2. Real broad spectrum stretches further, patching up that sunscreen shield. Checking ingredients, not just SPF, keeps skin safer on beach trips and daily errands alike.
Sunscreen bottles used to confuse me—long names, tiny print, big promises to keep my skin safe. Over the years, I started reading ingredient labels and noticed sulisobenzone appearing in quite a few products. It's one of those UV filters you see in some chemical sunscreens. The goal? Block UVB and short-wave UVA rays, which can cause sunburn and skin aging.
People with sensitive skin run into trouble with certain sunscreen ingredients. I've talked to more than a few folks who developed rashes or itching after a day in the sun. Studies over the past decade have shown that sulisobenzone sometimes triggers allergic reactions. Not everyone, but enough for dermatologists to keep an eye out for contact dermatitis.
By 2017, the American Contact Dermatitis Society started labeling various sunscreen filters—including sulisobenzone—as possible allergens. Typical symptoms include redness, mild swelling, or a rash, which can mimic a sunburn. Sometimes, it's hard to tell the difference.
I tried a sunscreen with sulisobenzone years ago. My skin tingled after application, a prickly sensation that spread across my cheeks. The discomfort vanished after I stopped using that brand. Turns out, I am not alone. Even though these reactions don't happen to most people, it's something to keep on the radar.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration put sunscreen filters under review in 2019. Sulisobenzone landed in a grey zone—permitted, but not stamped as “generally recognized as safe and effective” without more research. We don’t yet know if regular use leads to any risk beyond minor skin issues.
Most studies suggest sulisobenzone doesn’t absorb very well through the skin, which should limit any problems elsewhere in the body. Still, sunscreen tends to build up with repeat applications, especially during long, sunny vacations.
Concerns about hormone disruption have come up with other sunscreen chemicals, but not enough solid research exists for sulisobenzone to make the list. Researchers keep looking for clues that long-term exposure changes our health, but so far, that story hasn’t played out with this ingredient.
Anyone worried about reactions can look for sunscreen brands that swap out sulisobenzone for mineral alternatives like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Broad-spectrum protection remains the gold standard—these minerals offer it without much risk to sensitive skin. I switched to zinc oxide after my reaction and haven’t looked back.
Simple fixes matter. Do a quick patch test behind your ear next time you try a new sunscreen. No tingling or redness after a day? Good sign you’ll be safe using it all over. If stinging or itching pops up, talk to a dermatologist about options. Ultraviolet rays cause serious, long-term skin damage, so skipping out on sun protection entirely won’t help.
Read the ingredient label, trust your skin’s signals, and keep up with news from researchers and dermatologists. Sun safety never goes out of style, but sometimes finding the right product for your skin takes a few tries.
Sunscreen claims come in all shapes and sizes, but a lot of parents end up staring blankly at a bottle, reading words like “sulisobenzone”, and just hoping it keeps the sunburn away. Sulisobenzone, known to some by the name benzophenone-4, is found in a range of sunscreens. It’s designed to help filter out damaging UVB and some UVA rays, keeping skin safer under the sun. The real question: should it touch children’s skin?
Research shows sulisobenzone does its job by absorbing UV rays and keeping them from burning or aging skin. The FDA in the United States and similar agencies in Europe have given it the green light in concentrations up to 10%. Large studies on adults find it rarely causes allergic reactions or irritation compared to other common sunscreen ingredients. Scientists dig deep on this stuff before letting it near the shelves. Studies on animals and humans haven’t flagged any major safety red flags at normal concentrations.
The gray area sits with children, especially babies. Young skin absorbs chemicals more easily. The American Academy of Pediatrics and many pediatric dermatologists lean toward “better safe than sorry” for babies under six months: keep them covered or in the shade, and don’t lean on sunscreen as the main line of defense. For kids older than six months, most guides support using broad-spectrum sunscreen, even those with sulisobenzone, as long as it comes with other sun-smart moves like hats and long sleeves.
Sulisobenzone doesn't top the list when it comes to allergic reactions, but it isn’t as gentle as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which mostly sit on top of the skin rather than soaking in. Kids with eczema or known sensitivities could find sulisobenzone too much for their skin to handle. Occasionally, families report extra redness, itching, or stinging. That’s where pausing and switching to mineral-based options makes sense.
Endocrine disruption pops up in conversations about many sunscreen chemicals, including some benzophenones. Large reviews on sulisobenzone don’t make it look like a hormone troublemaker, but caution comes naturally with kids because they’re growing and developing so rapidly. The handful of studies out there haven’t shown harm at concentrations used in over-the-counter sunscreen, but they’re limited compared to older, more widely-used mineral sunscreens.
Parents juggling family beach trips, summer camps, and playground time have enough on their plate. The facts say sulisobenzone offers solid UV protection without a pattern of serious side effects for most kids. Still, more parents go for mineral sunscreens on children, especially younger ones, because they’re backed by decades of safe use and fewer worries about absorption or irritation.
Doctors usually suggest watching for signs of rash or discomfort after trying a new sunscreen. If something looks off, wash it away and switch to something gentler. Sun hat, long sleeves, and shade should ride along with sunscreen, no matter which type lands in the beach bag.
Of all the decisions parents face, sunscreen shouldn’t keep anyone up at night, but it Pays to check the label, know the ingredients, and trust how your child’s skin responds. In the end, safe fun under the sun means picking what works best for your own family and staying a step ahead of the burn.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 5-benzoyl-4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzenesulfonic acid |
| Pronunciation | /ˌsuːlɪsoʊˈbɛnzoʊn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 131-57-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1326219 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:8996 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1536 |
| ChemSpider | 1963 |
| DrugBank | DB00837 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.048.696 |
| EC Number | 226-391-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 72487 |
| KEGG | C14570 |
| MeSH | D013438 |
| PubChem CID | 5350 |
| RTECS number | WG1750000 |
| UNII | 73558H51A6 |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C14H12O6S |
| Molar mass | 308.240 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.31 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | 3.2 |
| Vapor pressure | 5.2 x 10^-8 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.6 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.72 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -70.0 · 10^-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.597 |
| Viscosity | Viscous liquid |
| Dipole moment | 3.81 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 218.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -686.2 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -5986 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D02BA06 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause respiratory irritation. Causes skin and eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS labelling: "Warning; H319; P264; P280; P305+P351+P338; P337+P313 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| Flash point | Flash point: 113.9°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 550°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral (rat) 2,700 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral (rat) > 14 g/kg |
| NIOSH | WYV8E8BO2P |
| PEL (Permissible) | 5 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 8 mg/kg bw |
