What it is
A camphor-based UVB filter approved in the EU and Canada but not in the US.
What it does
UVB absorber in sunscreens.
Why it’s a concern
Multiple rodent studies (Schlumpf et al. 2001, Environmental Health Perspectives) flagged 4-MBC as estrogenic, with effects on uterine weight and puberty onset. Detected in human breast milk. The EU is actively reviewing its safety profile; use has declined in many formulas.
Also known as
4-methylbenzylidene camphor4-MBCparsol 5000
CAS numbers
36861-47-938102-62-4
Commonly found in
european sunscreen
Safer alternatives
- non-nano zinc oxide
- non-nano titanium dioxide
Sources
- Schlumpf et al. 2001, EHP