OXYBENZONE
Sunscreen Agent; Ultraviolet Light Absorber; UV ABSORBER; UV FILTER
Also listed as
BENZOPHENONE-3, 2-BENZOYL-5-METHOXYPHENOL; 2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYBENZOPHENONE; (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL) PHENYLMETHANONE; METHANONE, (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL) PHENYL-; (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL) PHENYL- METHANONE; OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) ; OXYBENZONE 6; METHANONE, (2HYDROXY4METHOXYPHENYL) PHENYL; B3; DURASCREEN; SOLAQUIN
Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to this ingredient -- not the products containing it -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.
| This ingredient: | |
 | Cancer |
 | Developmental/reproductive toxicity |
| Restrictions & warnings |
| Allergies/immunotoxicity |
 | Contamination concerns |
 | Other strong concerns for this ingredient: Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| Other moderate concerns for this ingredient: Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation |
| Lesser or emerging concerns for this ingredient: Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Ecotoxicology, Data gaps |
|
See products containing OXYBENZONE | |
About OXYBENZONE: Associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to Centers for Disease Control research.
ingredient UV blocking strength
| common sunscreen concentrations |
UV blocking strength |
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2.0% |
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3.0% |
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4.0% |
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5.0% |
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6.0% |
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10.0% |
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OXYBENZONE has reported used in the following product types: sunscreen: SPF greater than 30 (184); sunscreen: moisturizer (139); sunscreen: SPF 15-30 (122); facial moisturizer/treatment (111); sunscreen: lip balm (99); lip balm (90); nail polish (63); lipstick (58); anti-aging (49); fragrance for women (48)
Allergies/immunotoxicity
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Possible human photoallergenic toxicant | SCCP (2006) | |
| One or more human case studies show significant photoallergenic effects | Bryden AM, Moseley H, Ibbotson SH, Chowdhury MM, Beck MH, Bourke J, et al, 2006 | |
| One or more human case studies show significant photoallergenic effects | Rodriguez E, Valbuena MC, Rey M, Porras de Quintana L, 2006 | |
| show more | ||
Restrictions & warnings
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit) | Japan's Standards for Cosmetics |
Endocrine disruption
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Human endocrine disruptor - moderate evidence | European Commission on Endocrine Disruption | |
| show more | ||
Biochemical or cellular level changes
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Produces excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease. | Hanson KM, Gratton E, Bardeen CJ, 2006 | |
| show more | ||
Developmental/reproductive toxicity
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Limited evidence of developmental toxicity | NTP, 1990 | |
| show more | ||
Persistence and bioaccumulation
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people | Wolff MS, Teitelbaum SL, Windham G, Pinney SM, Britton JA, Chelimo C, et al, 2007 | |
| show more | ||
Neurotoxicity
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| One or more animal studies show brain, nervous system, or behavioral effects at high doses | RTECS®- National Technical Information Service 8477 |
Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| One or more animal studies show cardiovascular effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | Hazelton Labs, 1953; Lewerenz, 1972 | |
| show more | ||
Cancer
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Environmental Mutagenesis 1987 | |
| show more | ||
Ecotoxicology
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Wildlife and environmental toxicity | Danovaro R, Bongiorni L, Corinaldesi C, Giovannelli D, Damiani E, Astolfi P, Greci L, Pusceddu A, 2008 | |
| show more | ||
Enhanced skin absorption
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Penetration enhancer | Pont AR, Charron AR, Brand RM, 2004 | |
| Absorbs into the skin | Gupta, 1999; Potard, 2000 | |
| Absorbs into the skin | Hayden, 1997; Hayden, 2005 | |
| Absorbs into the skin | Benson HA, 2000 |
Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Not likely to be a skin irritant in humans | IBL, 1967; Kligman, 1976; FDA, 1978; CFTA, 1980; FDRL, 1978 | |
| show more | ||
Data gaps
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product | Cosmetic Ingredient Review Assessments | |
| 1,388 studies in PubMed science library may include information on the toxicity of this chemical see search results -> | PubMed |
Government, industry, academic studies and classifications
| government/industry list/academic study | appears on list as | classification(s) |
| Cosmetic Ingredient Review Assessments | BENZOPHENONE-3 | •Safe as used in cosmetics according to industry panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) •Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product |
| Japan's Standards for Cosmetics | 2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYBENZOPHENONE | •Japan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit) |
| Japan's Standards for Cosmetics | 2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYBENZOPHENONE | •Japan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit) |
| Allen, 1996 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Does not produce damaging reactive oxygen species upon exposure to sunlight |
| CTFA, 1979; FDA,1978; Leberco Labs, 1979; FDRL, 1978 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Nonphotoallergenic in 6 of 6 studies |
| CTFA, 1980; DHEW, 1978; Hill Top Research Labs, 1979; Litton Bioneics, 1979 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Nonmutagenic with and without S-9 activation |
| FDRL, 1978; Leberco Labs, 1979; Testkit Labs, 1980; FDA, 1978; CTFA,1979 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Nonphototoxic in 7 of 7 studies |
| Gupta, 1999; Potard, 2000 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Is absorbed into skin in vitro at 0 to 0.48% through the skin after 10 h) |
| Hayden, 1997; Hayden, 2005 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Oxybenzone is absorbed through human skin at 1-4% |
| Hazelton Labs, 1953; Lewerenz, 1972 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Depressed growth, leucocytosis, anemia, reduced organ weight and nephrosis after 90 days diet with up to 1.0% noted in 1 of 2 studies of subchronic and chronic oral toxicity, no toxic effects noted after diet with up to 1% after 27 days |
| Homrowski, 1968; Lewerenz, 1972; IBL, 1964; Hazelton Labs, 1953 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | No toxicity oral up to 16g/k |
| IBL, 1965; AAC, 1976 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | No skin irritation at 100% oxybenzone for rabbits. |
| IBL, 1967; Kligman, 1976; FDA, 1978; CFTA, 1980; FDRL, 1978 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | No irritation and/or sensitization in 6 of 7 studies, mild sensitization in 1 study |
| IBL,1967; IBL, 1967; IBL, 1965; ACC, 1976; Hazelton Labs, 1953 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | No irritation to the eyes of albino rabbits at 100% conc. up to 7 days in 5 of 5 studies |
| Journe, 1999 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Allergenic reaction when combined with sun exposure |
| Ma, 2003 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Reduced DHT-induced AR activation in MDA-kb2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, acted as estrogen agonists on MCF cells |
| NTP, 1990 | BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE) | Benzophenone-3 had minimal effects on fertility in the F1 generation but F2 pup weights were significantly reduced. Probably due to systemic toxicity. |
| Ziolkowska A, Belloni AS, Nussdorfer GG, Nowak M, Malendowicz LK, 2006 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | 24-hour exposure to BP3 increased basal corticosterone production from cultured adrenocortical cells. |
| Veysey EC, Orton DI, 2006 | OXYBENZONE | Photoallergic lip inflammation was caused by oxybenzone found in a lip cosmetic |
| Wolff MS, Teitelbaum SL, Windham G, Pinney SM, Britton JA, Chelimo C, et al, 2007 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | A biomonitoring indicated 96% of 6 to 8 year old girls had detectable amounts of oxybenzone in their urine. |
| Bryden AM, Moseley H, Ibbotson SH, Chowdhury MM, Beck MH, Bourke J, et al, 2006 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | The most common photoallergen was benzophenone-3 (27 reactions; 21%) |
| Rodriguez E, Valbuena MC, Rey M, Porras de Quintana L, 2006 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | Patients with allergenic contact dermatitis displayed positive photopatch results with benzophenone-3 in 22/82 (26.8%) of the tests. |
| Benson HA, 2000 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | Benzophenone-3 is absorbed systemically following topical application to the skin. |
| Kunz PY, Galicia HF, Fent K, 2006 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | Benzophenone-3 is weakly estrogenic in in vitro tests with rainbow trout estrogen receptor |
| Schlumpf M, Schmid P, Durrer S, Conscience M, Maerkel K, Henseler M, et al, 2004 | BP-3 | Oxybenzone increased uterine weight in immature rats. |
| Pont AR, Charron AR, Brand RM, 2004 | OXYBENZONE | Oxybenzone increased absorption of 2,4D (a pesticide) by 36.4% and decreased lag time by 15.9%. |
| Hanson KM, Gratton E, Bardeen CJ, 2006 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | When benzophenone-3 penetrates into the skin, the level of ROS increases above that produced naturally under UV illumination. |
| CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), 2006 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | Benzophenones are mildly irritating and sensitizing at concentrations greater than those used in cosmetics |
| SCCP (2006) | BENZOPHENONE-3 | Studies clearly indicate oxybenzone is a photoallergen. |
| Danovaro R, Bongiorni L, Corinaldesi C, Giovannelli D, Damiani E, Astolfi P, Greci L, Pusceddu A, 2008 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | Oxybenzone can trigger outbreaks of viral infection in coral reefs. |
| European Commission on Endocrine Disruption | 2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXY-BENZOPHENONE | •At least some in vitro evidence of biological activity related to endocrine disruption, human health concern. •At least some in vitro evidence of biological activity related to endocrine disruption, wildlife concern. |
| Environment Canada Domestic Substance List | METHANONE, (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL)PHENYL- | •This chemical was NOT flagged by CEPA for further attention. The chemical was flagged for suspected persistence. |
| IFRA Fragrance Ingredient List | METHANONE, (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL)PHENYL- | •The chemical has been reported as used in fragrance compounds by IFRA affiliated member companies in 2008. |
| Schlumpf M, Kypke K, Vökt C, Birchler M, Durrer S, Faass O, et al, 2008 | BENZOPHENONE-3 | |
| RTECS®- "Vrednie chemichescie veshestva, galogen I kislorod sodergashie organicheskie soedinenia" 1994 | OXYBENZONE | • kidney or renal system - Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular (mouse LD50) • gastrointestinal - Other changes (mouse LD50) |
| RTECS®- Environmental Mutagenesis 1987 | OXYBENZONE | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Mutation in Micro-organism (Salmonella typhimurium ) |
| RTECS®- Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 1972 | OXYBENZONE | • reproductive - Ovaries, fallopian tubes (rat TDLo) • reproductive - Testes, epididymis, sperm duct (rat TDLo) • metabolic - Weight loss or decreased weight gain (rat TDLo) • blood - Changes in other cell count (unspecified) (rat TDLo) • kidney or renal system - Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular (rat TDLo) |
| RTECS®- Journal of the American College of Toxicology 1983 | OXYBENZONE | • broad systemic - Broad systemic toxicity (rat LD50) |
| RTECS®- National Technical Information Service 8477 | OXYBENZONE | • reproductive - Live birth index (mouse TDLo) • reproductive - Viability index (mouse TDLo) • metabolic - Weight loss or decreased weight gain (mouse TDLo) • brain, nervous system, or behavioral effect - Fluid intake (mouse TDLo) |
| RTECS®- National Technical Information Service | OXYBENZONE | • broad systemic - Broad systemic toxicity (mouse LD50) |
| RTECS®- National Toxicology Program Technical Report Series 3344 | OXYBENZONE | • reproductive - Menstrual cycle changes or disorders (rat TDLo) • reproductive - Spermatogenesis (mouse TDLo) • reproductive - Testes, epididymis, sperm duct (mouse TDLo) • metabolic - Weight loss or decreased weight gain (mouse TDLo) • kidney or renal system - Changes in bladder weight (mouse TDLo) • liver - Changes in liver weight (mouse TDLo) • blood - Changes in other cell count (unspecified) (rat TDLo) • blood - Changes in platelet count (rat TDLo) • kidney or renal system - Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular (rat TDLo) |
| RTECS®- Toxicologist 2001 | OXYBENZONE | • endocrine system - Changes in uterine weight (rat TDLo) • endocrine system - Estrogenic (rat TDLo) |
references
| government/industry list/academic study | reference |
| Cosmetic Ingredient Review Assessments | CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). 2006. CIR Compendium, containing abstracts, discussions, and conclusions of CIR cosmetic ingredient safety assessments. Washington DC. |
| Japan's Standards for Cosmetics | Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. 2006. Standards for Cosmetics. Evaluation and Licensing Division. Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau. |
| Open scientific literature | {Allen, 1996} |
| Open scientific literature | {CTFA, 1979; FDA,1978; Leberco Labs, 1979; FDRL, 1978} |
| Open scientific literature | {CTFA, 1980; DHEW, 1978; Hill Top Research Labs, 1979; Litton Bioneics, 1979} |
| Open scientific literature | {FDRL, 1978; Leberco Labs, 1979; Testkit Labs, 1980; FDA, 1978; CTFA,1979} |
| Open scientific literature | {Gupta, 1999; Potard, 2000} |
| Open scientific literature | {Hayden, 1997; Hayden, 2005} |
| Open scientific literature | {Hazelton Labs, 1953; Lewerenz, 1972} |
| Open scientific literature | {Homrowski, 1968; Lewerenz, 1972; IBL, 1964; Hazelton Labs, 1953} |
| Open scientific literature | {IBL, 1965; AAC, 1976} |
| Open scientific literature | {IBL, 1967; Kligman, 1976; FDA, 1978; CFTA, 1980; FDRL, 1978} |
| Open scientific literature | {IBL,1967; IBL, 1967; IBL, 1965; ACC, 1976; Hazelton Labs, 1953} |
| Open scientific literature | {Journe, 1999} |
| Open scientific literature | {Ma, 2003} |
| Open scientific literature | {NTP, 1990} |
| Open scientific literature | Ziolkowska A, Belloni AS, Nussdorfer GG, Nowak M, Malendowicz LK. 2006. Endocrine disruptors and rat adrenocortical function: studies on freshly dispersed and cultured cells. Int J Mol Med 18(6): 1165-1168. |
| Open scientific literature | Veysey EC, Orton DI. 2006. Photoallergic contact cheilitis due to oxybenzone found in a lip cosmetic. Contact Dermatitis 55(1): 54. |
| Open scientific literature | Wolff MS, Teitelbaum SL, Windham G, Pinney SM, Britton JA, Chelimo C, et al. 2007. Pilot study of urinary biomarkers of phytoestrogens, phthalates, and phenols in girls. Environ Health Perspect 115(1): 116-121. |
| Open scientific literature | Bryden AM, Moseley H, Ibbotson SH, Chowdhury MM, Beck MH, Bourke J, et al. 2006. Photopatch testing of 1155 patients: results of the U.K. multicentre photopatch study group. Br J Dermatol 155(4): 737-747. |
| Open scientific literature | Rodriguez E, Valbuena MC, Rey M, Porras de Quintana L. 2006. Causal agents of photoallergic contact dermatitis diagnosed in the national institute of dermatology of Colombia. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 22(4): 189-192. |
| Open scientific literature | Benson HA. 2000. Assessment and clinical implications of absorption of sunscreens across skin. Am J Clin Dermatol 1(4): 217-224. |
| Open scientific literature | Kunz PY, Galicia HF, Fent K. 2006. Comparison of in vitro and in vivo estrogenic activity of UV filters in fish. Toxicol Sci 90(2): 349-361. |
| Open scientific literature | Schlumpf M, Schmid P, Durrer S, Conscience M, Maerkel K, Henseler M, et al. 2004. Endocrine activity and developmental toxicity of cosmetic UV filters--an update. Toxicology 205(1-2): 113-122. |
| Open scientific literature | Pont AR, Charron AR, Brand RM. 2004. Active ingredients in sunscreens act as topical penetration enhancers for the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 195(3): 348-354. |
| Open scientific literature | Hanson KM, Gratton E, Bardeen CJ. 2006. Sunscreen enhancement of UV-induced reactive oxygen species in the skin. Free Radic Biol Med 41(8): 1205-1212. |
| Open scientific literature | CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). 2006. CIR Compendium, containing abstracts, discussions, and conclusions of CIR cosmetic ingredient safety assessments. Washington DC. |
| Open scientific literature | SCCP (2006). "Opinion on Benzophenone-3." European Commission - The Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers. SCCP/1069/06 Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/sccp_opinions_en.htm. |
| Open scientific literature | Danovaro R, Bongiorni L, Corinaldesi C, Giovannelli D, Damiani E, Astolfi P, Greci L, Pusceddu A. "Sunscreens cause coral bleaching by promoting viral infections." Environ Health Perspect. 2008 Apr;116(4):441-7. |
| European Commission on Endocrine Disruption | EU (European Union)- Strategy for Endocrine Disrupters 2007. Commision on endocrin disruption requested by the European Parliament in 1998. |
| Environment Canada Domestic Substance List | EC (Environment Canada). 2008. Domestic Substances List Categorization. Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) Environmental Registry. |
| IFRA Fragrance Ingredient List | IFRA (International Fragrance Assocication). 2010. IFRA Fragrance Ingredient List based on 2008 Use Survey. Accessed online 01/04/2010: http://www.ifraorg.org/Home/News/Latest-News/page.aspx/66?xf_itemId=43&xf_selectionDatapartId=25 |
| Open scientific literature | Schlumpf M, Kypke K, Vökt C, Birchler M, Durrer S, Faass O, et al. 2008. Endocrine Active UV Filters: Developmental Toxicity and Exposure Through Breast Milk. Chimia 62: 1-7. |
| RTECS®- "Vrednie chemichescie veshestva, galogen I kislorod sodergashie organicheskie soedinenia" 1994 | RTECS®- "Vrednie chemichescie veshestva, galogen I kislorod sodergashie organicheskie soedinenia". (Hazardous substances. Galogen and oxygen containing substances), Bandman A.L. et al., Chimia, 1994 -,471,1994 |
| RTECS®- Environmental Mutagenesis 1987 | RTECS®- Environmental Mutagenesis. (New York, NY) V.1-9, 1979-87. For publisher information, see EMMUEG. 9(Suppl 9),1,1987 |
| RTECS®- Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 1972 | RTECS®- Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. (London, UK) V.1-19, 1963-81. For publisher information, see FCTOD7. 10,41,1972 |
| RTECS®- Journal of the American College of Toxicology 1983 | RTECS®- Journal of the American College of Toxicology. (Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 1651 Third Ave., New York, NY 10128) V.1-12, 1982-1993. Discontinued. 2(5),35,1983 |
| RTECS®- National Technical Information Service 8477 | RTECS®- National Technical Information Service. (Springfield, VA 22161) Formerly U.S. Clearinghouse for Scientific & Technical Information. #PB91158477 |
| RTECS®- National Technical Information Service | RTECS®- National Technical Information Service. (Springfield, VA 22161) Formerly U.S. Clearinghouse for Scientific & Technical Information. AD277-689 |
| RTECS®- National Toxicology Program Technical Report Series 3344 | RTECS®- National Toxicology Program Technical Report Series. (Research Triangle Park, NC 27709) No.206- NIH-92-3344 |
| RTECS®- Toxicologist 2001 | RTECS®- Toxicologist. (Soc. of Toxicology, Inc., 475 Wolf Ledge Parkway, Akron, OH 44311) V.1- -1981 60,298,2001 |
"RTECS®" is a United States trademark owned and licensed under authority of the U.S. Government, by and through MDL Information Systems, Inc.
Copyright © 2010 by Environmental Working Group
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