Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is an organic ultraviolet filter that absorbs both UVB and short UVA radiation, used in sunscreens and other cosmetics to provide photoprotection and to protect formulations from UV-induced degradation.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact and photocontact allergic dermatitis | Uncommon | One of the more frequently reported sunscreen-related allergens; can cause both contact and photoallergic reactions. |
| Skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Mild transient irritation, especially around the eyes or on sensitive skin. |
| Photosensitivity reactions | Rare | Sun-triggered rashes in sensitized individuals. |
| Systemic absorption with detectable plasma levels | Common | Detected in blood and urine after topical use; clinical significance remains under study, with potential endocrine activity investigated in research. |
| Anaphylaxis or severe hypersensitivity | Very rare | Isolated case reports. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.