4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR is graded F (Banned) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexII.
4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR
Safety grade: F
This is a synthetic sunscreen chemical used in sun protection products. It absorbs harmful UV rays from the sun before they can penetrate and damage your skin.
It is used in sunscreens and sun-protective cosmetics to absorb UVB radiation, helping to prevent sunburn and protect the skin from UV-related damage.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Prohibited
Last verified: June 7, 2026
Safer alternatives to 4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR
- TITANIUM DIOXIDE — Grade A**. Mineral UV filter that absorbs UVB/UVA radiation; direct replacement.
- ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE — Grade C. Chemical UVB absorber; commonly used as primary sunscreen active.
- ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE — Grade B. Broad-spectrum UV absorber; established sunscreen ingredient with similar function.
- PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID — Grade B. Water-soluble UV absorber for UVB protection in sunscreen formulas.
- ZINC OXIDE — Grade A**. Mineral UV filter blocking UVB/UVA; direct physical substitute.
Other Prohibited Chemical ingredients
- BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL — Grade F**
- ZINC PYRITHIONE — Grade F**
- HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE — Grade F
- CI 73360 — Grade F
- PENTASODIUM PENTETATE — Grade F**
- COLLOIDAL SILVER — Grade F**
Other UV Absorber ingredients
- BENZYL SALICYLATE — Grade C**
- BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE — Grade B
- ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE — Grade B
- OCTOCRYLENE — Grade D
- BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE — Grade B