Beauty · UV filters

Is Oxybenzone Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Oxybenzone is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).

INCI name Benzophenone-3. CAS 131-57-7.

Is Oxybenzone banned in the EU?

EU status	Restricted
US status	Allowed
Risk level	high
Where it shows up	sunscreen, SPF makeup, lip balm
CAS number	131-57-7

Oxybenzone is an organic UV filter (benzophenone-3).

It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.

An endocrine disruptor that is also banned in some reef regions. The EU restricts its concentration; it remains widely used in the US.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Oxybenzone banned in the EU?

Oxybenzone is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Oxybenzone in US cosmetics?

Yes — Oxybenzone can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.

What products contain Oxybenzone?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Oxybenzone automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Oxybenzone?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Oxybenzone.

Is Oxybenzone in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Oxybenzone or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.