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OXYBENZONE
Score
Data: Fair
CAS131-57-7
sunscreen: SPF greater than 30 (270 products)
sunscreen: SPF 15-30 (154 products)
sunscreen: moisturizer (111 products)
sunscreen: lip balm (96 products)
sunscreen: makeup (69 products)
Show all 948 products that contain OXYBENZONE.
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OXYBENZONE


image source: PubChem
Health concerns of ingredient
About the ratings
Cancer no information
Developmental & reproductive toxicityyes
Allergies & immunotoxicityyes
Use restrictionsyes
Contamination concerns: none
Other HIGH concerns: Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes
Other MODERATE concerns: Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation
Other LOW concerns: Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Ecotoxicology, Data gaps

About the ratings

EWG provides information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings below indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks, if any. Learn more | Legal Disclaimer

Function/use(s): Sunscreen Agent; Ultraviolet Light Absorber; UV ABSORBER; UV FILTER

About OXYBENZONE: Oxybenzone is a sunscreen ingredient associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to ... read more

Synonym(s): 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

Allergies/immunotoxicity

type of concern product conditions reference
Possible human photoallergenic toxicant    SCCP (2006)
One or more human case studies show significant photoallergenic effects    Rodriguez E, Valbuena MC, Rey M, Porras de Quintana L, 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
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Use restrictions

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
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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
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Developmental/reproductive toxicity

type of concern product conditions reference
Limited evidence of developmental toxicity    NTP, 1990
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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
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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
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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
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Cancer

type of concern product conditions reference
Not likely to be mutagenic in humans    CTFA, 1980; DHEW, 1978; Hill Top Research Labs, 1979; Litton Bioneics, 1979

Enhanced skin absorption

type of concern product conditions reference
Penetration enhancer    Pont AR, Charron AR, Brand RM, 2004
Absorbs into the skin    Benson HA, 2000
Absorbs into the skin    Hayden, 1997; Hayden, 2005
Absorbs into the skin    Gupta, 1999; Potard, 2000

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
8,519 studies in PubMed science library may include information on the toxicity of this chemical see search results ->   PubMed

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
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Government, industry, academic studies and classifications
government/industry list/academic study appears on list as classification(s)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review AssessmentsBENZOPHENONE-3QQQ01,QQQ11; M-
Environment Canada Domestic Substance ListMETHANONE, (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL)PHENYL-,,,Y-Persistent,,,,,,
European Commission on Endocrine Disruption2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXY-BENZOPHENONEHH-CAT2;WF-CAT2
IFRA Fragrance Ingredient ListMETHANONE, (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL)PHENYL-reported as used in fragrance compounds in 2008
Japan's Standards for Cosmetics2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYBENZOPHENONEJapan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit)
Japan's Standards for Cosmetics2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYBENZOPHENONEJapan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit)
Allen, 1996BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)Does not produce damaging reactive oxygen species upon exposure to sunlight
CTFA, 1979; FDA,1978; Leberco Labs, 1979; FDRL, 1978BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)Nonphotoallergenic in 6 of 6 studies
CTFA, 1980; DHEW, 1978; Hill Top Research Labs, 1979; Litton Bioneics, 1979BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)Nonmutagenic with and without S-9 activation
FDRL, 1978; Leberco Labs, 1979; Testkit Labs, 1980; FDA, 1978; CTFA,1979BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)Nonphototoxic in 7 of 7 studies
Gupta, 1999; Potard, 2000BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)Is absorbed into skin in vitro at 0 to 0.48% through the skin after 10 h)
Hayden, 1997; Hayden, 2005BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)Oxybenzone is absorbed through human skin at 1-4%
Hazelton Labs, 1953; Lewerenz, 1972BENZOPHENONE-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, 1953BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)No toxicity oral up to 16g/k
IBL, 1965; AAC, 1976BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)No skin irritation at 100% oxybenzone for rabbits.
IBL, 1967; Kligman, 1976; FDA, 1978; CFTA, 1980; FDRL, 1978BENZOPHENONE-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, 1953BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)No irritation to the eyes of albino rabbits at 100% conc. up to 7 days in 5 of 5 studies
Journe, 1999BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)Allergenic reaction when combined with sun exposure
Ma, 2003BENZOPHENONE-3 (OXYBENZONE)Reduced DHT-induced AR activation in MDA-kb2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, acted as estrogen agonists on MCF cells
NTP, 1990BENZOPHENONE-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, 2006BENZOPHENONE-324-hour exposure to BP3 increased basal corticosterone production from cultured adrenocortical cells.
Veysey EC, Orton DI, 2006OXYBENZONEPhotoallergic 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, 2007BENZOPHENONE-3A 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, 2006BENZOPHENONE-3The most common photoallergen was benzophenone-3 (27 reactions; 21%)
Rodriguez E, Valbuena MC, Rey M, Porras de Quintana L, 2006BENZOPHENONE-3Patients with allergenic contact dermatitis displayed positive photopatch results with benzophenone-3 in 22/82 (26.8%) of the tests.
Benson HA, 2000BENZOPHENONE-3Benzophenone-3 is absorbed systemically following topical application to the skin.
Kunz PY, Galicia HF, Fent K, 2006BENZOPHENONE-3Benzophenone-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, 2004BP-3Oxybenzone increased uterine weight in immature rats.
Pont AR, Charron AR, Brand RM, 2004OXYBENZONEOxybenzone increased absorption of 2,4D (a pesticide) by 36.4% and decreased lag time by 15.9%.
Hanson KM, Gratton E, Bardeen CJ, 2006BENZOPHENONE-3When benzophenone-3 penetrates into the skin, the level of ROS increases above that produced naturally under UV illumination.
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), 2006BENZOPHENONE-3Benzophenones are mildly irritating and sensitizing at concentrations greater than those used in cosmetics
SCCP (2006)BENZOPHENONE-3Studies clearly indicate oxybenzone is a photoallergen.
Danovaro R, Bongiorni L, Corinaldesi C, Giovannelli D, Damiani E, Astolfi P, Greci L, Pusceddu A, 2008BENZOPHENONE-3Oxybenzone can trigger outbreaks of viral infection in coral reefs.
Schlumpf M, Kypke K, Vökt C, Birchler M, Durrer S, Faass O, et al, 2008BENZOPHENONE-3

Other RTECS® classifications [shown for informational purposes only]
government/industry list/academic study appears on list as classification(s)
RTECS®- "Vrednie chemichescie veshestva, galogen I kislorod sodergashie organicheskie soedinenia" 1994OXYBENZONE• kidney or renal system - Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular (mouse LD50)
• gastrointestinal - Other changes (mouse LD50)
RTECS®- Environmental Mutagenesis 1987OXYBENZONE• mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Mutation in Micro-organism (Salmonella typhimurium )
RTECS®- Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 1972OXYBENZONE• 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 1983OXYBENZONE• broad systemic - Broad systemic toxicity (rat LD50)
RTECS®- National Technical Information Service 8477OXYBENZONE• 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 3344OXYBENZONE• 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 2001OXYBENZONE• endocrine system - Changes in uterine weight (rat TDLo)
• endocrine system - Estrogenic (rat TDLo)

references
government/industry list/academic study reference
Cosmetic Ingredient Review AssessmentsCIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). 2006. CIR Compendium, containing abstracts, discussions, and conclusions of CIR cosmetic ingredient safety assessments. Washington DC.
Environment Canada Domestic Substance ListEC (Environment Canada). 2008. Domestic Substances List Categorization. Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) Environmental Registry.
European Commission on Endocrine DisruptionEU (European Union)- Strategy for Endocrine Disrupters 2007. Commision on endocrin disruption requested by the European Parliament in 1998.
IFRA Fragrance Ingredient ListIFRA (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
Japan's Standards for CosmeticsJapan 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 literatureZiolkowska 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 literatureVeysey EC, Orton DI. 2006. Photoallergic contact cheilitis due to oxybenzone found in a lip cosmetic. Contact Dermatitis 55(1): 54.
Open scientific literatureWolff 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 literatureBryden 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 literatureRodriguez 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 literatureBenson HA. 2000. Assessment and clinical implications of absorption of sunscreens across skin. Am J Clin Dermatol 1(4): 217-224.
Open scientific literatureKunz 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 literatureSchlumpf 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 literaturePont 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 literatureHanson 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 literatureCIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). 2006. CIR Compendium, containing abstracts, discussions, and conclusions of CIR cosmetic ingredient safety assessments. Washington DC.
Open scientific literatureSCCP (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 literatureDanovaro 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.
Open scientific literatureSchlumpf 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 [shown for informational purposes only]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 [shown for informational purposes only]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 [shown for informational purposes only]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 [shown for informational purposes only]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 [shown for informational purposes only]RTECS®- National Technical Information Service. (Springfield, VA 22161) Formerly U.S. Clearinghouse for Scientific & Technical Information. #PB91158477
RTECS®- National Technical Information Service [shown for informational purposes only]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 [shown for informational purposes only]RTECS®- National Toxicology Program Technical Report Series. (Research Triangle Park, NC 27709) No.206- NIH-92-3344
RTECS®- Toxicologist 2001 [shown for informational purposes only]RTECS®- Toxicologist. (Soc. of Toxicology, Inc., 475 Wolf Ledge Parkway, Akron, OH 44311) V.1- -1981 60,298,2001

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