Dioxybenzone
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Ultraviolet filter
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreens, creams, cosmetic products
WHWHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIOXYBENZONE ?
Dioxybenzone is a chemical filter for ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light. It provides strong protection from ultraviolet light in its chlorinated and unchlorinated forms. In rat studies, oral dioxybenzone has been shown to delay tumor appearance.
WHAT IS DIOXYBENZONE?
Dioxybenzone (i.e., benzophenone-8), a derivative of oxybenzone, is an organic, FDA-approved UV light filter.
IS DIOXYBENZONE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Dioxybenzone is likely safe for all skin types and tones. However, there are mixed reports of contact dermatitis related to using products containing it. Some case reports show up to anaphylactoid reactions, while a comprehensive review shows minimal irritation from it.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There are no absolute contraindications based on available literature. Individuals with a reaction to dioxybenzone or similar products should avoid using products containing it. Dioxybenzone is seldom used in products in the United States.
Sources:
Heo S, Hwang HS, Jeong Y, Na K. Skin protection efficacy from UV irradiation and skin penetration property of polysaccharide-benzophenone conjugates as a sunscreen agent. Carbohydr Polym. 2018;195:534-541.
Pantelic MN, Wong N, Kwa M, Lim HW. Ultraviolet filters in the United States and European Union: A review of safety and implications for the future of US sunscreens. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;88(3):632-646.
Pariser RJ. Contact dermatitis to dioxybenzone. Contact Dermatitis. 1977;3(3):172.
Rao GS, Tokuda H, Ichiishi E, et al. Oral chemoprevention of skin cancer in mice by benzophenone sunscreens dioxybenzone and octabenzone in drinking water. Anticancer Res. 2013;33(6):2535-2540.
Tawfik ME, Atwater AR. Anaphylactoid reaction to benzophenones, with recurrence during patch testing. Contact Dermatitis. 2019;81(4):303-304.
