Esthetician's Guide to Oxybenzone

This ingredient appears in the ASCP SkinPro app

What is Oxybenzone?

An active organic compound used in sunscreen that works by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays.

What Should I Know About Oxybenzone?

• Also known as Benzophenone-3, this UVB and UVA absorber is used as a sunscreen ingredient.
   
• Has been cited as a possible culprit in coral reef damage.
   
• Is readily absorbed through the skin.
   
• Causes more sunscreen allergic reactions than any other sunscreen ingredient.

Considerations for Oxybenzone

• Has fallen into public disfavor due to its purported damaging effects on coral reef and allergen status.

ASCP members can access SkinPro to continue reading about oxybenzone

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