Authority source
Safety basis: FDA
FDA assessment
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
Article / explainer
Oxybenzone in Sunscreen: A Comprehensive Ecotoxicological Review.
PubMed study
Abinaya G, Jenifer D, Devi VV • 2025
Read sourceVideo explainer
Is Oxybenzone In Sunscreen Harmful? - Healthy Skin Brief
Video
Healthy Skin Brief
Watch videoCommunity questions
Common questions about oxybenzone
sensitive skin • reef safety • chemical vs mineral sunscreen • daily sunscreen use
People commonly ask whether oxybenzone is suitable for sensitive skin, how it compares with mineral UV filters, and why it is discussed in reef-safety conversations. Context only, not used as safety evidence.
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