Beauty ingredient · UV filter
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)
- CAS
- 131-57-7
An organic UV filter in sunscreens and some cosmetics. The EU cut its maximum level because of potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
- Chemical (organic) UV filter
- Expert review pending
Concern level
A regulatory warning or restriction somewhere, or strong evidence of harm at typical intake. The concern level sets how many points Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) costs on a product’s receipt.
What the evidence says
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Suspected endocrine disruptorRegulatory
The EU's scientific committee found benzophenone-3 not safe at 6% in body sunscreens; it is now limited to 6% in face, hand and lip products and 2.2% in body products. [1]
Evidence tiers say how sure the evidence is, separately from how much it matters. About evidence tiers.
Rules around the world
| Where | Status | Details | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | Restricted | Up to 6% (face, hand, lip), 2.2% (body creams and sprays) and 0.5% to protect the formulation. | Jan 28, 2023 | [1] |
“Banned” means explicitly prohibited or withdrawn after review; “not permitted” means never authorized there. We use each regulator’s own words.
Names GoodSwap recognizes on labels (9)
- bp 3
- oxybenzone
- oxybenzone 3
- oxybenzone 4
- oxybenzone 5
- oxybenzone 6
- benzophenone 3
- oxybenzone benzophenone 3
- 2 hydroxy 4 methoxybenzophenone
Sources
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“Benzophenone-3 is not safe for the consumer when used as a UV filter up to the current maximum concentration of 6 % in sunscreen products”
eur-lex.europa.eu