Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is also known as benzophenone-3 and is a light absorbing ingredient. In skincare products, this transparent, pale-yellow oil is used as a sunscreen active because it protects the skin by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light.

Specifically, benzophenone-3 absorbs the UVB light, which includes wavelengths of light between 290 and 320 nanometers, and short-wave UVA light, which includes wavelengths of light from 320 up to 360 nanometers. As a result, this ingredient does not protect fully against UVA light, which is the type of UV radiation that reaches deeper into the skin and leads to aging and wrinkling.

However, benzophenone-3 does protect fully against UVB radiation, which is what causes burning and tanning of the skin and can lead to skin cancer. Some sunscreen regulatory bodies have concerns about the safety of benzophenone-3, but more information is needed to confirm if there is indeed a safety threat posed by this ingredient.

The European Union (EU) allows benzophenone-3 at levels up to six percent in sunscreen products and states that the only safety concern with the ingredient would be potential for contact allergy, which is the case with many cosmetics ingredients.