Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is an organic UV filter that absorbs UVB and short UVA radiation, commonly used in sunscreens and as a photostabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It is also used to protect product formulas from UV degradation.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic) | Uncommon | One of the more frequently reported sunscreen-related contact allergens. |
| Photoallergic/photocontact dermatitis | Uncommon | Reaction triggered or worsened by UV exposure after application. |
| Skin redness, stinging, or itching | Uncommon | Transient local irritation, especially on sensitive or broken skin. |
| Systemic absorption detectable in blood/urine | Common | Documented percutaneous absorption; clinical significance remains under study. |
| Contact urticaria | Rare | Immediate hive-like reaction reported in isolated cases. |
| Anaphylaxis | Very rare | Severe hypersensitivity reported only in rare case reports. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.