Oxybenzone

Tolerability and safety

Irritation potential

Medium

Allergen risk

Moderate

Pregnancy

Avoid

Suitable for

Normal

Use with caution

Sensitive

Stains fabric

This ingredient can leave stubborn stains on clothes – yellow or rust-orange, often showing up only after washing, most visible on white and synthetic fabrics. Let the product absorb before dressing, pretreat marks before machine washing, and skip chlorine bleach: it sets these stains.

About this ingredient

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3) is an organic UV filter of the benzophenone family. Absorbs UVB and part of UVA (270–360 nm). One of the oldest and most debated sunscreen components. Mechanism. The benzophenone chromophore absorbs UV energy and dissipates it as heat. Stabilizes other UV filters in the formula. Where applied. Sunscreens, BB creams with SPF, lipsticks, perfumery (as a UV-stabilizer of scent). EU Regulation 1223/2009 concentration – up to 6% (reduced from 10% in 2017). Banned in sunscreen cosmetics in Hawaii and Palau since 2021 due to coral reef toxicity. Evidence base. SCCS Opinion SCCS/1625/20 revised oxybenzone in 2021 – maximum concentration reduced from 10% to 6% in leave-on body products. In leave-on face products – up to 0.5%. Endocrine impact is under continued study. Safety. Contact allergies are relatively common – 1–3% in the general population, up to 5–10% in patients with prior fragrance sensitization. Systemic skin absorption is significant: Matta 2020 (JAMA) showed plasma levels above 0.5 ng/mL after a single application, exceeding the FDA threshold for systemic safety demonstration. Endocrine controversy. In vitro and animal studies show mild estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity. Epidemiology: association with endometriosis in women (Kunisue 2012) and reduced male fertility (Buck Louis 2014). The evidence is conflicting; the FDA and SCCS have not yet classified oxybenzone as an endocrine disruptor, but monitoring continues. Environmental controversy. Studies (Downs 2016, Schneider 2019) show oxybenzone toxicity to coral reefs at concentrations from 62 ppt – a major bleaching factor. Hawaii (since 2021), Palau (since 2020), US Virgin Islands, and Aruba have banned oxybenzone in sunscreens. Pregnancy and lactation – AVOID. Systemic absorption is documented, oxybenzone crosses the placenta and into breast milk (Schlumpf 2010). AAD 2023 and SEGO 2023 recommend mineral filters first-line. Alternatives – titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX/XL. In a pilot study, oxybenzone left yellow marks on white cotton, though noticeably weaker than avobenzone. Pretreat white clothes with sunscreen residue before the main wash.

Frequently asked questions