Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is a chemical/organic UV filter that absorbs both UVB and short UVA radiation, used in sunscreens to help prevent sunburn and photodamage. It is also sometimes added to products to protect formulations from UV-induced degradation.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact allergic and photoallergic dermatitis | Uncommon | One of the more common photoallergens among sunscreen agents; presents as rash or eczema on sun-exposed skin. |
Skin irritation or stinging | Common | Mild transient irritation, particularly around the eyes or on sensitive skin. |
Systemic absorption into bloodstream | Common | Detected in plasma and urine after topical use; clinical significance remains under investigation. |
Hormonal/endocrine activity concerns | Rare | Weak estrogenic effects shown in animal/in vitro studies; human relevance at typical exposure not established. |
Photosensitivity reactions (urticaria, blistering) | Rare | More pronounced reactions reported with UV exposure in sensitized individuals. |
Anaphylaxis or severe systemic allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated case reports only. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.