Authority source
Safety basis: FDA / EU SCCS
FDA assessment, EU SCCS opinion
Oxybenzone
Benzophenone-3BP-3
UV Filter
Oxybenzone is a chemical that helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It works by absorbing UV light and changing it into a small amount of heat.
What it is
Oxybenzone is an organic compound used in sunscreens and other personal care products to absorb UVA and UVB rays.
Found in
sunscreens, moisturizers with SPF, lip balms, cosmetics with SPF
The concern
The primary concern is its potential for systemic absorption into the body, possible endocrine disruption, and photoallergic reactions in some individuals.
Legal status
In the US, the FDA has proposed a rule that oxybenzone is not Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) for sunscreen use, requiring further data. In the EU, it is permitted up to 6% in sunscreens with specific warnings.
Moderate Concern
Concerns exist regarding its potential for systemic absorption, endocrine disruption, and photoallergic reactions.
Evidence & sources
Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Community questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Zinc Oxide
A mineral sunscreen filter often compared with oxybenzone.
Titanium Dioxide
Another mineral filter users compare for sunscreen context.
Octinoxate
A common chemical sunscreen comparison in the same formulas.
Octocrylene
Often appears in the same sunscreen conversations and labels.
Avobenzone
Another sunscreen filter commonly compared in the same UV-protection conversations.
Homosalate
Another sunscreen filter commonly compared in the same UV-protection conversations.
Last updated: July 29, 2026