Is Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) safe for babies and kids?
Moderate risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)?
The IUPAC name is (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone.
Also known as: (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone, oxybenzone, 2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYBENZOPHENONE, Benzophenone-3.
- IUPAC name
- (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone
- CAS number
- 131-57-7
- Molecular formula
- C14H12O3
- Molecular weight
- 228.24 g/mol
- SMILES
- COC1=CC(=C(C=C1)C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2)O
- PubChem CID
- 4632
Risk for babies
Moderate riskInfants are more vulnerable to Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
High riskPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
Known reproductive toxicant (GHS H360) or confirmed endocrine disruptor. Placental transfer is presumed. Fetal exposure during critical developmental windows may cause structural malformations, growth restriction, or functional deficits.
Regulatory consensus
8 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 1 positive / 5 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 1 positive / 5 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Sensitization: SkinSens1 (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Sensitization: Category 1 (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | skin irritation: in vivo: Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | eye irritation: in vivo: Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA): Not likely to be sensitizing (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | skin sensitisation: in vivo (LLNA): Not likely to be sensitizing (score: low) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
- Personal Care — sunscreen, moisturizer with SPF, foundation, lip balm
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3):
-
Fragrance-free formulations
Trade-offs: Consumer preference for scented productsRelative cost: Lower (ingredient elimination)
-
Essential oil-based fragrances (with disclosure)
Trade-offs: Natural does not mean safe — many essential oils are skin sensitizersRelative cost: 2-5× conventional
Frequently asked questions
Is oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)?
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments); sunscreen (Personal care).
What should I do if my child is exposed to oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)?
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) has been classified by 8 agencies including EPA CTX / Genetox, EPA CTX / Genetox, EPA CTX / Skin-Eye, EPA CTX / Skin-Eye, EPA CTX / Skin-Eye, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) in the baby app
Look up products containing oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- US FDA: Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use — Proposed Rule and GRASE Determinations for Oxybenzone and Other UV Filters (2019) — regulatory
- Environmental Working Group (EWG): Sunscreen Guide — Oxybenzone Absorption, Endocrine Activity, and Aquatic Toxicity Review (2021) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →