Ingredient

Benzophenone-3

Benzophenone-3 is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, PCOS, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and fetal development.

By Team TruvaLast checked

Verdict by profile

Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.

Strongest verdict
Not Recommended
Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
Profiles flagged
6 of 6
Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
Irritancy
2 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyAVOID

Benzophenone-3 and pregnancy

Not Recommended

Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is a chemical UV filter commonly used in sunscreens to protect against sun damage. Unlike mineral UV filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, oxybenzone is absorbed into the skin and enters the bloodstream in significant amounts. Multiple studies have raised concerns about oxybenzone use during pregnancy due to its endocrine-disrupting properties and high systemic absorption. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that prenatal exposure to oxybenzone was associated with altered birth weights and potential hormonal effects. A 2019 study in JAMA detected oxybenzone in the bloodstream at levels 50-500 times the FDA's threshold for systemic exposure after just one day of sunscreen application. Animal studies have shown that oxybenzone crosses the placenta and can affect fetal development. The ingredient has both estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties, which could potentially interfere with fetal hormonal development, particularly in male fetuses. While ACOG has not issued a complete ban on oxybenzone, many obstetricians and dermatologists recommend that pregnant women choose mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) instead. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that mineral sunscreens are preferred during pregnancy due to their lack of systemic absorption. Given the high absorption rates and potential endocrine effects, avoiding oxybenzone during pregnancy is a prudent precautionary measure. If sun protection is needed during pregnancy, consider mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin surface rather than absorbing into the bloodstream. Other options include physical sun protection through clothing, hats, and shade.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Benzophenone-3 and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is a chemical sunscreen ingredient with documented high systemic absorption. Research has shown that it enters the bloodstream rapidly after topical application and can persist in the body. Studies have detected oxybenzone in breast milk samples, raising concerns about infant exposure during breastfeeding. A 2010 Swiss study found oxybenzone and its metabolites in breast milk from mothers using sunscreens containing the ingredient. Given that oxybenzone is lipophilic (fat-soluble) and has endocrine-disrupting properties, experts worry about potential effects on breastfed infants, particularly regarding hormonal development. While direct studies on health outcomes in breastfed infants are limited, the combination of known milk transfer, endocrine activity, and high maternal absorption has led many pediatricians and dermatologists to recommend avoiding this ingredient while breastfeeding. The AAD and many lactation consultants suggest that breastfeeding mothers use mineral-based sunscreens instead of chemical filters like oxybenzone. If oxybenzone-containing sunscreen must be used, avoid application to the breast area entirely. However, given that systemic absorption occurs regardless of application site, choosing alternative UV filters is the safer approach. Safer sunscreen alternatives for breastfeeding include mineral formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide effective sun protection without systemic absorption or milk transfer concerns.

PostpartumCAUTION

Benzophenone-3 and postpartum

Caution Advised

Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is a chemical UV filter with high skin absorption and endocrine-disrupting properties. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concerns relate to its hormonal effects rather than infant exposure. While the immediate risks to a non-breastfed infant are eliminated, postpartum women may still want to avoid oxybenzone due to its effects on their own hormonal balance during a time of significant hormonal fluctuation. The postpartum period involves dramatic hormone shifts, and introducing an endocrine disruptor may not be ideal. However, if sun protection is critical and oxybenzone-containing products are the only option available, the risk to the mother is lower than during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Many dermatologists still recommend mineral sunscreens as a first choice, but oxybenzone is not strictly contraindicated for postpartum non-breastfeeding women as it is for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Benzophenone-3 and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) has endocrine-disrupting properties that may affect reproductive hormones and potentially interfere with fertility. Studies have found associations between oxybenzone exposure and altered hormone levels in women of reproductive age. Research published in fertility journals has suggested that environmental endocrine disruptors, including oxybenzone, may negatively affect fertility in both women and men. A 2020 study found that higher urinary concentrations of oxybenzone were associated with reduced fertility and longer time to pregnancy. While the studies are not definitive, the hormonal effects of oxybenzone and its high absorption rate make it advisable to avoid when actively trying to conceive. Women trying to conceive should minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors to optimize their hormonal balance for conception. Many reproductive endocrinologists recommend switching to mineral sunscreens when couples begin trying to conceive.

PCOSAVOID

Benzophenone-3 and PCOS

Not Recommended

Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) has demonstrated endocrine-disrupting properties in multiple studies, which is particularly concerning for women with PCOS who already have hormonal imbalances. The ingredient has both estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects. Research has shown that oxybenzone can interfere with sex hormone levels and may affect androgen-estrogen balance. For women with PCOS, who often struggle with elevated androgens and irregular hormone patterns, introducing an external endocrine disruptor can potentially worsen hormonal balance. While direct studies on PCOS populations are limited, the known mechanisms of oxybenone's hormonal activity suggest it could interfere with PCOS management and symptom control. Dermatologists and endocrinologists who specialize in PCOS often recommend that patients avoid known endocrine disruptors, including oxybenzone. Women with PCOS should choose mineral-based sunscreens or newer organic filters that lack endocrine-disrupting properties. Sun protection remains important for PCOS patients (especially those on hormonal medications that may increase photosensitivity), but mineral formulas provide this protection without hormonal interference.

General UseCAUTION

Benzophenone-3 and general use

Caution Advised

Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is one of the most common chemical UV filters used in sunscreens worldwide. It effectively absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA radiation, preventing sunburn and reducing skin cancer risk. However, it has become controversial due to emerging safety concerns. The FDA has identified oxybenzone as requiring additional safety data due to its high systemic absorption rates. A 2019 FDA study published in JAMA found that oxybenzone enters the bloodstream at levels far exceeding the FDA's safety threshold after just one day of use, with levels continuing to rise with repeated application. The ingredient has demonstrated endocrine-disrupting activity in laboratory and animal studies, showing estrogenic effects and potential to interfere with hormone function. The European Commission's SCCS has expressed concerns about oxybenzone accumulation in the body with regular use. Additionally, some people experience allergic reactions or photoallergic dermatitis from oxybenone exposure. Despite these concerns, oxybenzone remains legal in most jurisdictions (with concentration limits), and the FDA emphasizes that sunscreen use overall reduces skin cancer risk more than the potential harms from any single ingredient. However, given the availability of alternative UV filters (both mineral and newer organic options), many dermatologists now recommend choosing sunscreens without oxybenzone, especially for regular, long-term use. The EWG and other consumer safety organizations rate it as high hazard and recommend avoiding it. If you do use oxybenzone-containing sunscreens, limit the amount applied and consider alternatives when possible, particularly for children and daily use scenarios.

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Provenance

Where this came from

Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.

Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .

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