Oxybenzone

Organic UV filter · benzophenone-3

What is Oxybenzone, and why is it used?

A UV filter under ongoing review; restricted in some places for environmental reasons.

Regulatory

FDA's 2019 proposal found insufficient data to call it GRASE and requested more. Hawaii restricted sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate from 2021, citing coral reef concerns.

Choice

If you prefer to avoid it, mineral and other filters exist. Avoiding one filter is not a reason to avoid sun protection.

Connected topics

• Sunscreen
• Avobenzone
• Hazard ≠ Risk

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.