What is BENZOPHENONE-3 and what does it do?

Role: Organic UV filter

Family: OXYBENZONE,Old UV filter UVB, UVA SHORT

Comedogenic index: 0

OXYBENZONE: The controversial ingredient in sunscreens

The world of sunscreens is vast and complex. Among the many ingredients used, Oxybenzone attracts particular attention. But what do we really know about it?

1. Characteristics of Oxybenzone :
Oxybenzone is a chemical sunscreen agent capable of absorbing UVB and short UVA rays. Although it offers optimum protection at 288 nm, its UV absorption capacity is relatively low, requiring it to be combined with other agents for effective protection. Rather than a sunscreen in its own right, it is frequently used as a photostabilizer, effectively protecting formulas from UV damage.

2. Safety and controversy :
The safety of Oxybenzone is the subject of much debate. Its small molecular size and love of oils make it highly absorbent, which poses a problem. Indeed, sunscreens are supposed to remain on the skin's surface and not enter the bloodstream. Yet after application, traces of Oxybenzone can be detected in urine after just 4 hours.

3. Estrogenic activity and other concerns :
Oxybenzone has shown some estrogenic activity, although this does not appear to be a problem when applied topically. These results have been observed mainly in-vitro or when ingested by laboratory animals. In addition, some sources indicate that Oxybenzone is the most common allergen in sunscreens and may promote the production of potentially harmful free radicals.

4. Regulations and use :
Despite these controversies, BP-3 is approved as a sunscreen agent in many parts of the world, with concentrations of up to 10% in the EU and 6% in the USA.

Find out more about "Inci" cosmetic ingredients