Oxybenzone

Benzophenone-3BP-3Eusolex 4360Padimate O

UV Filter

Oxybenzone is a chemical that helps block UV rays from the sun. It's often used in sunscreens and other products to protect skin from sunburn.

What it is

Oxybenzone is a synthetic organic compound that absorbs UV radiation and converts it into heat.

Found in

sunscreens, moisturizers, lip balms, after-sun lotions

The concern

Oxybenzone may cause coral reef damage and has raised concerns about potential hormone disruption in humans, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Legal status

Allowed in sunscreens in the US and EU, but some countries have banned its use due to environmental concerns.

Moderate Concern

Concerns have been raised about oxybenzone's potential impact on coral reefs and human hormone systems, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

Evidence & sources

Authority source

Safety basis: FDA

FDA assessment

Article / explainer

Oxybenzone in Sunscreen: A Comprehensive Ecotoxicological Review.

PubMed study

Abinaya G, Jenifer D, Devi VV • 2025

Read source

Video explainer

Is Oxybenzone In Sunscreen Harmful? - Healthy Skin Brief

Video

Healthy Skin Brief

Watch video

Common questions answered

Common questions about oxybenzone

Sunscreen Debate

Why is oxybenzone used in sunscreen?: Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter that helps absorb ultraviolet radiation and reduce sunburn risk when used in sunscreen formulas.
Why do people compare it with mineral filters?: People often compare oxybenzone with mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they work differently and have different sensitivity and environmental discussions.
Why is reef safety mentioned?: Oxybenzone is often discussed in reef-safety conversations because some regions restrict or ban it due to environmental concerns.

These answers provide plain-English context. Safety guidance comes from the authority and research sources above.

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: June 6, 2026

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