Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) in cosmetics: why it's flagged
Short answer
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) is flagged by Olive Detective as a moderate concern in cosmetics. UV filter; possible endocrine disruptor and coral-reef pollutant. The flag is class-level and precautionary, based on SCCS opinion; EU concentration limits — it describes the ingredient class, not the safety of any particular product.
What the concern is
- Endocrine concern — the class has been examined for hormone-disrupting activity.
- pollutant — flagged for review.
How it appears on an INCI list
Cosmetic labels use INCI names, which are standardised worldwide, so the same wording appears on a product bought anywhere. This class is matched on oxybenzone, benzophenone 3.
Pregnancy
This ingredient carries a caution flag in the app’s pregnancy-safe mode. With that mode on, a product containing it shows a warning banner and its personalised score is hard-capped. This is precautionary guidance drawn from regulatory positions, not medical advice — a midwife or doctor is the right person to ask about your own routine.
How it affects the score
Cosmetic scoring follows the Yuka method: a product with only green and yellow ingredients has its score floored at 50, any orange ingredient caps it below 50, and any red caps it below 25. This ingredient is orange, so it caps a product's score below 50 on its own.
Source: SCCS opinion; EU concentration limits
Other cosmetic ingredients we flag
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