Is Oxybenzone Harmful to Humans?

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The molecular structure of oxybenzone is very similar to the hormone estrogen.  In fact, it is close enough in shape that it is able to bind to estrogen receptors in cells in the body.  One consequence of oxybenzone exposure is reduced levels of testosterone in both men and women.⁶  Higher levels of oxybenzone in the body may also alter the balance of thyroid hormones.⁷

The molecular structure of oxybenzone is very similar to the hormone estrogen.  In fact, it is close enough in shape that it is able to bind to estrogen receptors in cells in the body.  One consequence of oxybenzone exposure is reduced levels of testosterone in both men and women.⁶  Higher levels of oxybenzone in the body may also alter the balance of thyroid hormones.⁷

Oxybenzone does not cause skin reactions in everybody who uses products with it.  However, an uncommon but regular problem that oxybenzone can cause is photocontact dermatitis - an allergic-type reaction of your skin to the sun.  In some people, the interaction of certain chemicals and sunlight causes a rash on their skin, and oxybenzone is a well-known perpetrator.⁸

Oxybenzone does not cause skin reactions in everybody who uses products with it.  However, an uncommon but regular problem that oxybenzone can cause is photocontact dermatitis - an allergic-type reaction of your skin to the sun.  In some people, the interaction of certain chemicals and sunlight causes a rash on their skin, and oxybenzone is a well-known perpetrator.⁸

Along with other UV filters, oxybenzone does reduce the amount of UV-caused damage in your skin, and reduces the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.  However, when exposed to UV light, oxybenzone itself can also generate reactive oxygen species (ROS).  These oxidative molecules can cause damage to the DNA, proteins, lipids, and other structures within your cells.  The number of ROS produced increases with the length of time that oxybenzone is left on your skin.⁵

Along with other UV filters, oxybenzone does reduce the amount of UV-caused damage in your skin, and reduces the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.  However, when exposed to UV light, oxybenzone itself can also generate reactive oxygen species (ROS).  These oxidative molecules can cause damage to the DNA, proteins, lipids, and other structures within your cells.  The number of ROS produced increases with the length of time that oxybenzone is left on your skin.⁵

Our Recommendation:  For safe mineral sunscreens for adults and kids, visit our sunscreen product pages.

Our Recommendation:  For safe mineral sunscreens for adults and kids, visit our sunscreen product pages.