Benzophenone-3
Avoid
Official INCI name
Oxybenzone. A UV filter that is absorbed into the body and has possible hormone effects; the EU capped it at 2.2% and some places ban it over coral-reef harm.
What it does
UV filter. Absorbs or reflects ultraviolet light (sunscreen).
Worth knowing
Under review or restricted for possible effects on the hormone (endocrine) system.
Persists in the environment or harms aquatic life (e.g. microplastics, some UV filters).
Also written as
Scans recognise it under every one of these names.
Oxybenzone
“Benzophenone-3” is its name in the EU glossary of common ingredient names (no. 3221), the names labels in the EU must use. © European Union, EUR-Lex.