---
title: Oxybenzone
entity_type: Ingredient
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date_modified: 2026-05-16
date_reviewed: 2026-05-16
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---

# Oxybenzone

## Quick Summary

Oxybenzone is a chemical sunscreen filter, also known as Benzophenone-3, used to absorb UV energy in sunscreen formulas. It is one of the most discussed sunscreen filters because FDA sunscreen orders have requested additional safety data for several chemical filters, and some reef-related laws have restricted Oxybenzone in specific locations. That context does not mean Oxybenzone is banned everywhere or that chemical sunscreens as a category are unsafe.

## What It Is

Oxybenzone is an organic UV filter used in some sunscreen products. In consumer conversations, it often stands in for broader questions about chemical sunscreen filters, systemic absorption, reef impact, and regulatory data requests.

## Mechanism

Like other chemical UV filters, Oxybenzone works by absorbing UV energy in the sunscreen film. The ingredient is discussed here for regulatory and product-selection context rather than as a recommended must-have ingredient for any one routine.

## Related Entities

- [FDA — Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/fda-sunscreen-how-to-protect-skin)
- [FDA — Q&A: New Requirements for OTC Sunscreen Products Marketed in the U.S.](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/fda-otc-sunscreen-qa)
- [Matta 2019 — Sunscreen Active Ingredients Absorption Study](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/matta-2019-sunscreen-active-ingredients-absorption)
- [Matta 2020 — Sunscreen Active Ingredients Absorption Study](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/matta-2020-sunscreen-active-ingredients-absorption)
- [American Academy of Dermatology — Sunscreen FAQs](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-sunscreen-faqs)
- [Sun Damage](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/sun-damage)
- [Photoallergic Contact Dermatitis from UV Filters](https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/photoallergic-contact-dermatitis-uv-filters)