Oxybenzone in Sunscreen: What It Is and Where Regulators Stand
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB and some UVA. In July 2025 the TGA concluded it is not low risk as currently used in Australia and recommended tighter controls.
TL;DR
- What it is: a chemical sunscreen filter, also listed as benzophenone-3 or BP-3.
- What it does: absorbs ultraviolet light so less reaches your skin.
- The regulator view: the TGA recommends restricting its permitted concentration and use.
- Endocrine question: evidence of hormone effects in humans is inconclusive, and both the TGA and the EU's SCCS say more study is needed.
- Alternatives: mineral filters and several other chemical filters do the same job.
- Our position: we don't currently use it, and we don't make a sunscreen.
What is oxybenzone?
Oxybenzone is an organic (carbon-based) UV filter, sold on labels as oxybenzone or benzophenone-3. It has been used in sunscreens for decades.
It works by absorbing ultraviolet light and releasing the energy as heat. It mostly covers UVB and the shorter end of UVA.
Because it does not cover the full UVA range alone, it is almost always paired with other filters in a broad-spectrum formula.
Why is oxybenzone controversial?
Studies have found that oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. That alone is not proof of harm, but it is the reason regulators keep looking at it.
Researchers have also asked whether it can act on hormone systems. For people, the evidence is unsettled, and the regulators below describe it as inconclusive.
What has the TGA concluded?
In July 2025 the TGA published a safety review of seven active sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and avobenzone. Oxybenzone was judged not low risk as currently used.
The review found that the margin of safety for general body use at the current 10% maximum was below the accepted threshold of 100. It recommended restricting the permitted concentration and use.
The estimated exposure was acceptable when use was limited to the face and hands at roughly 9.8% to 10%, depending on product type.
What is happening to the rules in Australia?
A consultation on amending the Poisons Standard for oxybenzone and related substances closed in August 2025. The options included limits on concentration, limits by body area and limits by age of the user.
Sunscreens are regulated as therapeutic goods in Australia, so what you can buy depends on TGA decisions. Check the active ingredient list on any sunscreen you already own.
What did the EU conclude?
The EU's scientific committee (SCCS) gave its final opinion in 2021. It considered up to 6% safe in face cream, hand cream and lipstick.
For body cream and sunscreen sprays, 6% was judged not safe. It considered up to 2.2% safe, and 1.7% if oxybenzone is also used at 0.5% as a formula protectant.
It also said that up to 0.5% is safe as a formulation protector in any cosmetic, and that the endocrine evidence needed further investigation.
Should you avoid oxybenzone?
That is your call, and nothing here replaces sun protection. A sunscreen you will actually wear every day beats a perfect one that stays in the bathroom drawer.
If you want to avoid it, check the active ingredients panel. Mineral sunscreens and sunscreens built on other filters are widely available.
If you are prone to reactions, patch test first. Our patch testing guide shows how.
Does oxybenzone work with the rest of your routine?
Sunscreen is the last step of a morning routine, after your serums and moisturiser. If you use exfoliating acids or a retinoid at night, daily sun protection matters more, not less.
Not sure what else your routine needs? Try our skin quiz.
Our guide to antioxidants covers how daytime protection and antioxidants fit together. If you are working on uneven tone with azelaic acid or kojic acid, daily sunscreen is part of the plan.
FAQ
Is oxybenzone banned in Australia?
No. It is permitted in sunscreens up to 10%, though the TGA has recommended tighter controls and the Poisons Standard process is considering changes.
Is oxybenzone the same as benzophenone-3?
Yes. They are two names for the same UV filter.
Is oxybenzone a mineral or chemical filter?
Chemical. It absorbs UV light. Mineral filters such as zinc oxide sit on top of skin and scatter and absorb light.
Can oxybenzone cause allergic reactions?
It can in a small number of people, as with any filter. Patch test new sunscreens and stop if you react.
Do we use oxybenzone at Dope Skin Co?
No. We don't currently use it in any product.
