What is oxybenzone?
Oxybenzone is a common ingredient found in 70% of all sunscreens and personal care products. It is an ultraviolet light absorber and filter [1][2][5]. This ingredient is also a penetration enhancer that helps other ingredients penetrate the skin more readily [4].What products is oxybenzone in?
Oxybenzone is in hundreds of personal care products like facial moisturizers, lip balm, lipstick, anti-aging creams, hair conditioners, and fragrances, it is most commonly found in sunscreen [1][4]How to tell if a product has oxybenzone
Look for the following synonyms on ingredient labels to alert you to the presence of oxybenzone: (2-Hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)phenylmethanone; 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; Benzophenone-3; Methanone, (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)phenyl-; Oxybenzone; Benzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-, BP-3; Phenyl- Methanone; (2-hydroxy -4-methoxyphenyl) phenylmethanone; 2-benzoyl-5-methoxyphenol; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; 4-methoxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone; advastab 45; anuvex; b3 [4, 5, 6].Risks associated with oxybenzone
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends that consumers avoid products that contain oxybenzone [1]. Oxybenzone has been linked with endocrine and hormone disruption as well as organ system toxicity and a variety of other health concerns. This ingredient is well-absorbed through the skin and has been cited by the CDC as a health concern [3][5]. Health issues related to exposure to oxybenzone include the following:- Photoallergic reactions[1][5]
- Contact dermatitis [4]
- Hormone disruption [1][2][5]
- Cellular damage [4]
- Low birth weight in baby girls whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy [4]
