SEVERE — -15 pts

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)

Flags: S-R01

Also known as: Benzophenone-3, BP-3, 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone

Kids Sunscreen & Skincare

What it is

Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and cosmetics to absorb UVA and UVB radiation. It is one of the most widely used sunscreen active ingredients in the US and has been detected in the blood, urine, and breast milk of virtually all Americans tested.

SEVERE

AAP and EWG flag oxybenzone as an endocrine disruptor that is detectable in blood after a single application. FDA's 2019 proposed rule requested additional safety data, acknowledging that current evidence is insufficient to classify it as GRAS. Hawaii and Palau have banned oxybenzone-containing sunscreens due to coral reef damage. Children's thinner skin allows greater absorption.

Why it matters

Endocrine disruption: estrogenic, anti-androgenic, and anti-progestogenic activity in laboratory and human studies
Systemic absorption: detectable in blood after a single application at levels exceeding FDA's safety threshold (0.5 ng/mL)
Photoallergic contact dermatitis, particularly in children
Coral reef bleaching and marine ecosystem damage
Detected in breast milk, raising neonatal exposure concerns

The research

Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients

Matta MK, Zusterzeel R, Pilli NR, et al. JAMA, 2019. 321(21):2082-2091 PMID: 31058986 [Source]

"All six sunscreen active ingredients tested, including oxybenzone, exceeded the FDA threshold of 0.5 ng/mL systemic absorption after a single application"

FDA Proposed Rule: Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA, 2019. 84 FR 6204 [Source]

"FDA proposed that only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are GRAS. Requested additional safety data for 12 chemical filters including oxybenzone."

Who should care most

Children, particularly infants and toddlers with thinner, more permeable skin. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. Individuals applying sunscreen daily over large body surface areas.

How other countries handle it

Country	Status
United States	Permitted. FDA requested additional safety data (2019 ANPRM). Not classified as GRAS or GRAE pending data.
European Union	Permitted at max 6% concentration (reduced from 10% based on SCCS opinion).
Canada	Permitted at max 6%.
Australia	Permitted. Under review by TGA.

Sources

Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients. Matta MK, Zusterzeel R, Pilli NR, et al. JAMA, 2019. 321(21):2082-2091. PubMed 31058986
FDA Proposed Rule: Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA, 2019. 84 FR 6204. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.