Oxybenzone

The most scrutinized chemical UV filter globally and the clearest candidate for substitution in modern formulations. Bans are in force in Hawaii (2021), Key West (2021), Palau, US Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Bonaire for coral reef toxicity documented at 62 parts per trillion, causing bleaching, DNA damage, endocrine disruption of larval development, and skeletal deformities in juvenile corals. Highest systemic absorption of any UV filter in FDA PK studies, detectable in blood, urine, and breast milk after a single application. SCCS 2021 recommended halving the EU maximum to 2.2% for endocrine disruption reasons. Most common UV filter photoallergen. Regulatory trajectory is unfavorable on every axis: environmental bans expanding globally, systemic absorption concerns unresolved, endocrine-disrupting potential under active review, SCCS recommending further restriction. The strongest case for filter substitution in new product development. The EU classifies Oxybenzone as "restricted". Safety rating: POOR. 7 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Oxybenzone EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 6% (EU Annex VI); SCCS 2021 recommended reduction to 2.2%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

Oxybenzone functions as: Broad-spectrum UV filter; absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA radiation (290–320 nm); one of the most widely used chemical UV filters historically in the US market. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 131-57-7.

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Oxybenzone is 240 mg/kg bw/day based on a Subchronic study via oral route in rat. A total of 7 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.