Photoallergy to benzophenone

Rates of allergic sensitization and irritation to oxybenzone‐containing sunscreen products: a quantitative meta‐analysis of 64 exaggerated use studies

“…Few adverse events associated with oxybenzone have been reported in the general population despite the prevalence of sunscreen use (10,17,37,41). Contrary to our findings, a few published studies suggest that sunscreen sensitizations, particularly photosensitivities to oxybenzone, are underreported (12). However, it is important to keep in mind that the rates of sunscreen sensitizations may be influenced by a number of factors, including sensitivities resulting from pre-existing skin conditions, excipients, fragrances, preservative systems, or the use of high concentrations of sunscreen product.…”

“…Oxybenzone, which is also known as benzophenone-3 or 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, is the most frequently used benzophenone in sunscreen products (1,10,11). It has been estimated that oxybenzone can be found in 20-30% of all sunscreens, especially those with an SPF 4 8 (6,12). Oxybenzone was included in the FDA's original 1978 monograph proposing conditions for safety, efficacy, and labeling for sunscreen products and was determined by the FDA to be a safe and effective sunscreening ingredient (1).…”

“…The active and inactive ingredients are listed on the label of each product. Because the ingredients found in a particular sunscreen may change over time, it is important for consumers with allergies to frequently read sunscreen product labels and to become familiar with the different names of their allergen(s) (11,12).…”

Benzophenone 4: an emerging allergen in cosmetics and toiletries?

“…The benzophenones are a group of chemical UVA filters whose broad spectrum of protection extends into the UVB range. 4 benzophenones namely benzophenone 3, benzophenone 4, benzophenone 8 (2,2-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone: dioxybenzone) and benzophenone 10 (2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4-methylbenzophenone: mexenone) have historically been incorporated into sunscreens and cosmetics with benzophenone 3 being by far the most commonly used (4). Such a frequency of use has, no doubt, contributed to the finding that benzophenone 3 has been the most commonly reported UV filter producing positive patch test results (3,(5)(6)(7)(8).…”

Reviews : The Happy Foot, by R. Barth, L. Campbell, S. Allen, and J. Jupp (1988), The Diabetes Centre, St. Vincent's Hospital, 372 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia. Manual, appendices, and 35 mm slides. Price: Not available

“…Subsequently, reports of photoallergic reactions to benzophenone increased. 6,7,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] The inclusion of dibenzoylmethane UVA filters in sunscreens has led to reports of PACD. 12,[22][23][24][25][26] Such trends are reflected in our results, where the most common allergen responsible for photoallergic reations was oxybenzone, the second being butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane.…”