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Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone suppliers and sourcing guide

Oxybenzone is a benzophenone UV filter that absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA. It is made by chemical synthesis, typically by acylating a methoxyphenol with a benzoyl derivative, then purified and crystallized. It is a pale yellow crystalline powder that dissolves in the oil phase. Besides sunscreens, small amounts are used in some cosmetics to protect product color. In the U.S. it is an OTC sunscreen drug active.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
benzophenone-3 (INCI) · 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone · BP-3 · CAS 131-57-7
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of oxybenzone

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • USP / drug-grade powder

    Crystalline oxybenzone made to the USP monograph for OTC sunscreen use.

  • Cosmetic-grade powder

    Benzophenone-3 sold for use as a UV filter or to protect product color in cosmetics.

  • Filter premixes

    Oxybenzone pre-dissolved in liquid filters or esters.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (HPLC)
Oxybenzone content against the USP or supplier specification.
Melting range
Melting range of the crystals as an identity and purity check.
Related substances
Other benzophenones and synthesis by-products by HPLC.
Residual solvents
Crystallization solvents by GC.
Heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep oxybenzone in sealed containers at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. The powder is stable as supplied; shelf life and retest date come from the supplier specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and impurity results for each lot and keep certificates with drug GMP records. Rules for oxybenzone differ between markets, so record which markets each finished batch is going to.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 352.10 lists oxybenzone up to 6 percent among OTC sunscreen active ingredients; FDA describes this 1999 final sunscreen monograph as stayed (not in effect).

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA says the CARES Act deemed final order for OTC sunscreens (OTC000006) considers sunscreens containing the 16 active ingredients of that 1999 monograph as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).

    Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's 2021 proposed order (OTC000008) proposed that sunscreens containing oxybenzone are not GRASE because additional data are needed; FDA says this is not a conclusion that the ingredient is unsafe and that the remaining proposals will be addressed in future orders.

    Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Primary Sunscreen Monograph lists oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) as a UVA II and UVB filter at up to 6%.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Oxybenzone suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking oxybenzone suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell oxybenzone? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of oxybenzone can brands buy?

Common forms include uSP / drug-grade powder, cosmetic-grade powder and filter premixes. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for oxybenzone include?

Expect assay (HPLC), melting range, related substances, residual solvents and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should oxybenzone be stored?

Keep oxybenzone in sealed containers at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. The powder is stable as supplied; shelf life and retest date come from the supplier specification.

What is the regulatory status of oxybenzone?

21 CFR 352.10 lists oxybenzone up to 6 percent among OTC sunscreen active ingredients; FDA describes this 1999 final sunscreen monograph as stayed (not in effect). FDA says the CARES Act deemed final order for OTC sunscreens (OTC000006) considers sunscreens containing the 16 active ingredients of that 1999 monograph as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE). FDA's 2021 proposed order (OTC000008) proposed that sunscreens containing oxybenzone are not GRASE because additional data are needed; FDA says this is not a conclusion that the ingredient is unsafe and that the remaining proposals will be addressed in future orders. Health Canada's Primary Sunscreen Monograph lists oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) as a UVA II and UVB filter at up to 6%.

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