Oxybenzone — answers to benzophenone-3
Appears in 1 scanned product.
A synthetic compound that absorbs UV light, used as a chemical sunscreen active ingredient.
Why it’s used
Protects skin from UVB and some UVA rays, and is also used at lower levels in other products to stabilize formulas against sun degradation.
What the evidence says
It is one of the more studied sunscreen actives. It is a known contact allergen in a minority of users, and it is absorbed into the bloodstream more readily than mineral filters, which the FDA has flagged as needing further safety data despite decades of use. Separately, oxybenzone has drawn environmental concern for coral reef toxicity, which is a different question from human skin safety and has led some places, like Hawaii, to restrict its sale.
Context
Human safety concerns center on allergy and systemic absorption at sunscreen-level concentrations (leave-on, often reapplied); environmental concerns are about runoff into marine ecosystems and don't reflect on skin safety.
Educational information, not medical or safety advice. Consult a professional for allergies or medical concerns.