Oxybenzone/benzophenone-3 is a common chemical suscreening agent.
Also listed as:BENZOPHENONE-3, 2-BENZOYL-5-METHOXYPHENOL; 2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYBENZOPHENONE; (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL) PHENYLMETHANONE; METHANONE, (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL) PHENYL-; (2-HYDROXY-4-METHOXYPHENYL) PHENYL- METHANONE; OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) ; OXYBENZONE 6; METHANONE, (2HYDROXY4METHOXYPHENYL) PHENYL; B3; DURASCREEN; SOLAQUIN
Oxybenzone oxidation following solar irradiation of skin: photoprotection versus antioxidant inactivation
Author: Schallreuter KU; Wood JM; Farwell DW; Moore J; Edwards HG
Address: Department of Dermatology, University of Hamburg, Germany.
Source: J Invest Dermatol, 106(3
583-6 1996 Mar
We followed the fate of the broadly used ultraviolet UVA sun blocker, oxybenzone, after topical application to the skin.
Our results showed that oxybenzone is rapidly photo-oxidized. Although oxybenzone is an excellent broad spectrum UVA filter, its rapid oxidation followed by the inactivation of important antioxidant systems indicates that this substance may be rather harmful to the homeostasis of the epidermis.
So for me it isnt worth it. I stick to zinc oxide which is stable and has broad range of UVR protection. Many chemical sunscreening agents can cause photoallergic reactions in those with sensitive skin to begin with.