Oxybenzone.
Also known as: benzophenone-3, BP-3, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, Eusolex 4360
A chemical UV filter found in many sunscreens and SPF-containing cosmetics. It absorbs UVA and UVB radiation but is a known endocrine disruptor, coral reef toxin, and one of the most frequently detected chemicals in human blood and urine.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Oxybenzone.
Single use results in measurable blood levels within hours.
Daily sunscreen application causes oxybenzone blood levels to exceed FDA safety thresholds.
Extremely high systemic absorption. Use mineral sunscreens instead.
What the research says.
Endocrine disruptor; mimics estrogen and interferes with testosterone and thyroid hormones.
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2008
Detected in 97% of Americans tested by the CDC, indicating ubiquitous exposure.
CDC Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
Toxic to coral reefs at concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion.
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2016
Global status.
How oxybenzone is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 6% as OTC sunscreen active; FDA GRASE status under review.
Details
Max 6% as UV filter in Annex VI (reduced from 10%).
Details
Max 6% as UV filter, mirroring EU.
Details
Max 6% as UV filter in sunscreens.
Details
Permitted with limits under MHLW positive list.
Details
Max 5% as UV filter.
Details
Max 10% as active sunscreen ingredient (TGA).
Details
Max 10% per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
Max 10% per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted with limits under BIS.
Details
Max 6%, harmonized with EU.
The reason brands include it.
Effective and inexpensive UV filter that absorbs both UVA and UVB rays. Widely used in sunscreens and SPF-containing lip and face products.
13
products in our database
9
brands use it
3
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose oxybenzone because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, non-nano mineral sunscreens deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Oxybenzone in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing oxybenzone.
Products Containing Oxybenzone
These popular products list oxybenzone in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full breakdown.
And 1 more product in our database.
Compared to Numbrrrz.
Here’s how the lowest-scoring product containing oxybenzone compares.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35
Neutrogena
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
Get Your Free Ingredient Safety Report
Enter your email and we'll send you a personalized breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients in your daily products.
What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz products contain no oxybenzone or chemical UV filters. Our lip balms focus on deep hydration with Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Beeswax barrier protection, and Vitamin E antioxidant defense.
Quick answers.
Is oxybenzone safe in sunscreen?
Why is oxybenzone banned in Hawaii?
Is oxybenzone an endocrine disruptor?
What are other names for oxybenzone on labels?
Where is oxybenzone banned?
Does Numbrrrz use oxybenzone?
How these brands stack up.
Brands that use oxybenzone — see how they compare.