Background: Why BP‑2 and BP‑5 Were Reviewed
In April 2025, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) was tasked with evaluating the safety of Benzophenone‑2 and Benzophenone‑5 in cosmetic products due to concerns over potential endocrine-disrupting properties. BP‑2 had previously been used as a UV stabilizer and fragrance ingredient, while BP‑5 served as a UV filter—its safety was inferred from its structural analogue, BP‑4.
Final Opinion (Adopted 26 June 2025; Published 30 June 2025)
According to the SCCS’s final opinion (SCCS/1679/25):
• Benzophenone‑2 (BP‑2): The SCCS could not confirm its safety in cosmetic use. Genotoxicity could not be ruled out, repeated-dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity data are missing or limited, and the substance has shown clear endocrine‑active potential (estrogenic activity) both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, BP‑2 may pose a risk to consumers.
• Benzophenone‑5 (BP‑5): Given limited direct data, the SCCS used read-across from BP‑4 data. The conclusion: BP‑5 is considered safe when used as a UV filter in specified cosmetic products (sunscreen, face/hand creams, lipsticks, spray forms), up to a maximum concentration of 5%, whether used alone or in combination.
Regulatory Implications in the EU
• Benzophenone‑2 (BP‑2): Its unresolved safety profile and potential genotoxicity may lead to regulatory actions—ranging from restrictions to prohibition under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Manufacturers and regulatory professionals should expect scrutiny and possibly cease its use in future formulations unless robust safety data becomes available.
• Benzophenone‑5 (BP‑5): With safety confirmed up to 5%, BP‑5 remains authorized under current regulation. No additional restrictions have been introduced following the final SCCS opinion.
Global Interpretation & Industry Outlook
According to regulatory intelligence from CIRS (Global CosIng):
• BP‑2 might already be suspected to appear on the EU’s prohibited list and is included in China’s Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients (IECIC).
• BP‑5 remains allowed under EU regulation, with a maximum 5% concentration, and is also listed in IECIC and as an approved UV filter in China.
What This Means for Cosmetic Stakeholders
| Substance | Safety Status | Regulatory Outlook | Industry Takeaway |
| BP‑2 | Safety not confirmed; genotoxicity and endocrine activity concerns | Potential restriction or ban | Seek safer UV filter alternatives; prepare for reformulations. |
| BP‑5 | Deemed safe up to 5% based on BP‑4 data | Continues as authorized UV filter | No immediate action needed; compliance maintained within established limits. |
Final Thoughts
The SCCS final opinion, published 30 June 2025, firmly highlights the need for caution with BP‑2 due to insufficient safety evidence. Conversely, BP‑5 benefits from a solid assessment via a read‑across approach and remains safe within the regulatory framework at the authorized concentration.
Cosmetic brands, formulators, and compliance teams—especially within the EU and China—should monitor BP‑2 closely for any future regulatory changes. Meanwhile, the continued allowance of BP‑5 provides clarity and reassurance for current formulations.
