A benzophenone UV filter also called benzophenone-3.
Sources: 1, 2Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-3
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Benzophenone-3
What it does
Contributes UV absorption in sunscreen systems; product protection must be established by testing.
Sources: 1, 2Good for
- Tested sunscreen filter systems
How to use it
Apply and reapply the finished sunscreen according to its label. Protection depends on sufficient application and other sun-protection measures.
Sources: 1, 2Who should be careful
Can be relevant in contact or photoallergy. Detection of systemic exposure alone is not proof of a clinical adverse outcome.
Sources: 1, 2Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Its aromatic chromophore absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
Sources: 1, 2Potential adverse effects
Some users experience irritation, contact allergy or eye stinging; select a tolerated finished sunscreen rather than abandoning sun protection.
Sources: 1, 2Formulation considerations
Use conditions and permitted concentrations vary by jurisdiction. Safety reviews should be interpreted in their exposure context.
Sources: 1, 2Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1, 2Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
Names on ingredient lists
benzophenone-3
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 4632 | PubChem compound 4632: chemical identity |
| molecular formula | C14H12O3 | PubChem compound 4632: chemical identity |
| molecular weight | 228.24 g/mol | PubChem compound 4632: chemical identity |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (3)
Scientific sources
- TGA: Safety review of seven active sunscreen ingredientsregulatory safety review
- FDA: Sunscreen use, labeling and protectionregulatory guidance
- PubChem compound 4632: chemical identitychemical identity
Keep exploring: ingredient library or build your skincare routine.
