What does benzophenone do for the skin?

Benzophenone (and its derivatives like oxybenzone) is primarily used in skincare and cosmetics as a UV filter to absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays, helping protect the skin from sun damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. However, it may also act as a fragrance stabilizer to extend product shelf life, though it can potentially cause skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, or hormonal disruption in sensitive individuals, leading many modern formulations to replace it with gentler, non-penetrating sunscreens.