Oxybenzone
Decode Label flags Oxybenzone as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care (endocrine disruptor). It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
The concern
Sunscreen UV filter — endocrine disruptor; banned in Hawaii (coral reef damage)
Oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin in significant amounts and detected in blood, urine, and breast milk. It acts as an endocrine disruptor in studies and is linked to coral reef damage. Hawaii and Key West have banned it in sunscreens sold locally. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are safer alternatives.
Most relevant to
Not found in this catalogue
0 of 893 published products Decode Label has analysed list Oxybenzone or any of its label synonyms. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole. If a product we score lists it, it will appear here and its score will reflect it.
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Permitted | Annex VI 4 | a) Face products, hand products, and lip products, excluding propellant and pump spray pro... max a) 6% b) 2,2% c) 0,5% Footnote 1: H... | View → |
Identity
- Canonical name
- 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone / Oxybenzone
- INCI name
- BENZOPHENONE-3
- CAS number
- 131-57-7
- EC number
- 205-031-5
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Oxybenzone safe?
The concern is cited to Environmental Working Group; JAMA 2019; Hawaii HB 1326. Why it is flagged: Sunscreen UV filter — endocrine disruptor; banned in Hawaii (coral reef damage). Decode Label treats it as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care. It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
How common is Oxybenzone in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label has not found Oxybenzone in any of the 893 published products analysed so far. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole.
Is Oxybenzone restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Oxybenzone has 1 permitted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with Oxybenzone?
People who are pregnant; Anyone using this regularly.
Related ingredients
Other entries in the register with the same kind of concern.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.