Why Hawaii Banned Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone and octinoxate explained: what FDA studies found and why Hawaii acted.
Transcript
Hawaii banned sunscreens with this ingredient. Here's why. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemical UV filters. FDA studies found both in the bloodstream. That doesn't prove harm, and the FDA says keep using sunscreen. Hawaii's ban was about coral reefs. Our sun balm is zinc oxide in beeswax, with no chemical filters. Know your filters.
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Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: Chemical Sunscreen Filters Under Scrutiny
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Key points from the full guide
- Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate) are chemical UV filters that absorb ultraviolet light.
- FDA studies found both are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream at levels above the agency's threshold for further safety testing.
- Absorption does not prove harm, and the FDA says people should keep using sunscreen while research continues.
- Hawaii and several other places banned sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate because of concerns about coral reefs.
Read the full guide: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: Chemical Sunscreen Filters Under Scrutiny