OXYBENZONE

📋 Quick facts

Description: OXYBENZONE — UV FILTER, UV ABSORBER.

All Functions: UV FILTER, UV ABSORBER

Quick Facts:

• Category: uv filter
• Also Known As: BENZOPHENONE-3, BP-3
• Regulatory Note: Restricted in the US

⚗️ Chemical Overview

2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone appears as white to off-white or light yellow powder. (NTP, 1992) Oxybenzone is a hydroxybenzophenone that is benzophenone which is substituted at the 2- and 4-positions of one of the benzene rings by hydroxy and methoxy groups respectively. It has a role as a xenobiotic, a dermatologic drug, a protective agent, an ultraviolet filter and an environmental contaminant. It is a hydroxybenzophenone and a monomethoxybenzene. Oxybenzone is an organic compound used in sunscreens. It is a derivative of benzophenone. It forms colorless crystals that are readily soluble in most organic solvents. It is used as an ingredient in sunscreen and other cosmetics because it absorbs UV-A ultraviolet rays.

Source(s): ChEBI, CAMEO Chemicals, DrugBank, via PubChem

📊 Comedogenicity

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🤰 Pregnancy Safety Note

Chemical sunscreen with endocrine-disrupting potential. Absorbed systemically. Use mineral sunscreens instead during pregnancy.

🌍 Regulatory Status