Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)

Also known as: benzophenone-3, BP-3, oxybenzone

Higher concernunder our published method

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Oxybenzone, also called benzophenone-3, is a UV filter used in some sunscreen and cosmetic products.

Why people ask

People ask because EU cosmetic rules changed concentration limits for benzophenone-3 and related UV-filter uses.

What our method flags — by use

Cosmetic · EU

In EU cosmetics, our method rates oxybenzone as higher-concern because the ingredient has a specific UV-filter restriction signal.

The EU restricted by Regulation (EU) 2022/1176 benzophenone-3 uses in cosmetic UV-filter applications through Annex VI changes.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
European Union / EUR-Lex	The EU restricted by Regulation (EU) 2022/1176 benzophenone-3 uses in cosmetic UV-filter applications through Annex VI changes.	authority_regulatory	2022-07-07	source
European Union / EUR-Lex	The EU flagged by Regulation (EU) 2022/1176 benzophenone-3 in the cosmetic UV-filter amendment package.	authority_regulatory / --	2022-07-07	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Fair (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

Cosmetic · Hawaii sunscreen market (environmental statute)

In Hawaii sunscreen-market scope, our method rates oxybenzone as higher-concern because a state environmental statute restricts sale or distribution of SPF sunscreen personal-care products containing it.

Hawaii restricted by HRS section 342D-21 the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of SPF sunscreen protection personal care products containing oxybenzone without a medically licensed prescription; basis is state environmental-statute market scope.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
Hawaii State Legislature	Hawaii restricted by HRS section 342D-21 the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of SPF sunscreen protection personal care products containing oxybenzone without a medically licensed prescription; basis is state environmental-statute market scope.	authority_regulatory	2018-07-03	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product score, oxybenzone contributes a higher concern signal in cosmetic UV-filter contexts because the EU restriction is ingredient-specific.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

Common questions

Is this the same as every benzophenone ingredient?: No. This record is for benzophenone-3 / oxybenzone and cites that named UV-filter rule.

This is what Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.