oxybenzone

American  

[ahk-see-ben-zohn] / ˌɑk siˈbɛnˌzoʊn /

noun

1. a compound belonging to a class of aromatic ketones and used in sunblock to absorb UVB and UVA radiation.

---

oxybenzone Scientific  

/ ŏk′sē-bĕn′zōn /

1. A colorless crystalline compound that is a derivative of benzophenone and is sometimes used in sunscreens. Chemical formula: C ₁₄ H ₁₂ O ₃ .

---

Example Sentences

While there are some ingredients in suntan lotions - like oxybenzone - that can cause environmental damage to coral reefs, there is not evidence to suggest it poses a risk to humans, Dr McCann says.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025

Active ingredients in chemical sunscreen are carbon-based and include compounds such as avobenzone and oxybenzone.

From Scientific American • Sep. 6, 2023

“Certain chemical sunscreens are typically associated with skin allergies or irritation, including those with oxybenzone, cinnamates and octocrylene,” Patel says.

From Scientific American • Sep. 6, 2023

In 2018, Hawaii banned sunscreens that contain octinoxate and oxybenzone fearing that they could damage coral reefs.

From Salon • Jul. 13, 2023

Soon after, FDA scientists published studies showing that six common chemical ingredients — avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene and oxybenzone — do indeed get into the bloodstream.

From Washington Post • Aug. 1, 2022