Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3) has long been used in sunscreens for its UV-absorbing properties. But over time, the concerns have started to outweigh the benefits. Between systemic absorption, hormonal disruption, skin reactions, and serious environmental consequences, it’s become increasingly clear that we need to rethink this filter. While it was once considered indispensable, today, we have better options—and good reason to leave this one behind.

What is Oxybenzone (BP-3)?

Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter that was introduced as a replacement for PABA in the 1980s. It offers coverage mainly in the UVB and UVA2 ranges, with only partial protection against UVA1.

Its small size and lipophilic nature make it highly absorbable, which is both its strength and its biggest red flag.

Why Was It So Popular?

Back then, it seemed like a smart upgrade:

• It offered broader UV coverage (though not full UVA1) compared to then filters
• Is compatible other filters in formulations
• And was easy to formulate with, across sunscreen types, lip products, and moisturizers

But that popularity is precisely what’s made its impact so widespread today.

The Red Flags: Why Oxybenzone Is Losing Favor

Here’s what we know:

1. It’s very easily absorbed. Blood levels after sunscreen application have been recorded at up to 500x the FDA threshold.
2. It doesn’t give you full UVA protection. That’s a problem if you’re serious about preventing photoaging.
3. It’s used far beyond sunscreens. Oxybenzone is commonly found in a wide array of personal care products—from moisturizers and lip balms to body washes and even textiles. This pervasive presence leads to cumulative exposure that significantly exceeds what’s expected from sunscreen use alone.
4. It’s present in almost every biological fluid. Detection in urine, blood, breast milk, amniotic fluid, seminal plasma, and even sebum points to a systemic penetration profile that is difficult to ignore, especially when considering its potential for endocrine disruption. Maternal exposure to oxybenzone has been epidemiologically linked to Hirschsprung’s Disease (HSCR).
5. It was named Allergen of the Year in 2014.
6. It has endocrine disrupting properties.
7. It’s a potential mutagen. There’s evidence that it can damage DNA under certain conditions.
8. Oxybenzone contaminates water bodies globally, bioaccumulates in marine life, and contributes directly to coral reef damage. Its persistence and role in coral bleaching have led to bans in reef-sensitive regions like Hawaii and Palau.

And we don’t even need it anymore. Newer filters are better and cleaner. With sunscreen science evolving and and so many better alternatives available today, there’s really no good reason to stick with oxybenzone. Regulatory bodies across the globe have revised permissible concentrations downward. So, it does appear that this filter,  if we’re serious about skin health—and planet health—is  worth phasing out.