• Other names:
  • Benzophenone-3
  • Milestab 9
  • Eusolex 4360
  • Escalol 567
  • KAHSCREEN BZ-3
  • 2-Hydroxy-4-Methoxybenzophenone
• FDA Approval: Up to 6%
• Blocks UVA: Limited
• Blocks UVB: Yes
• Photo-stable: Yes

Interactions with Other ingredients:

Oil soluble.

Safety Concerns:

Quantities used in sunscreens in the US have been deemed safe, although higher quantities can be harmful. One study shows oxybenzone has destructive effect on DNA when exposed to light. It is found in mother’s milk and exhibits 1-to-9% skin penetration in lab studies. In the body, it acts like estrogen and can alter sperm production in animals. Associated with endometriosis in women and has relatively high rates of skin allergy.

Environmentally, oxybenzone is also linked with coral bleaching and die-offs.

Cosdna Rating: 0 for comedogenesis, 0 for irritation

Beautypedia Rating: Best

EWG Rating: 8