Sulisobenzone is an ingredient used in sunscreen to block UVA and UVB radiation. Sulisobenzone is approved by the FDA in concentrations of up to 10% and in Canada, is approved by Health Canada at the same concentrations.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
A surface coating of benzophenones decreases the amount of UV radiation absorbed by the skin by limiting the total amount of energy that reaches the skin.
Benzophenone sunscreens, applied topically, protect the skin from these harmful effects of ultraviolet light by chemically absorbing light energy (photons). As this occurs, the benzophenone molecule becomes activated to higher energy levels. As the excited molecule returns to its ground state, the energy is released in the form of thermal energy. The hydroxyl group in the ortho position to the carbonyl group is believed to be a structural requirement for the benzophenones' absorption of UV light. This structural arrangement also contributes to the electronic stability of the molecule. Benzophenones absorb energy throughout the UV range, although the maximum UV absorbance is between 284 and 287 nm for the 2-hydroxybenzophenones.
- Primary indication
- Sunscreening agents are used to prevent sunburn, actinic keratosis, and premature skin aging and to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C14H12O6S · 308.3 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2001
- Also known as
- Benzophenone-4 · Sulfisobenzone
- Code names
- NSC-60584
Resolves to
CXVGEDCSTKKODG-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCOC1=C(C=C(C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2)C(O)=C1)S(O)(=O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of August 30, 2026
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Sulisobenzone, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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