Oxybenzone Hits Tighter EU Caps: What the 2025 Benzophenone-3 Limits Mean
The world's most-debated chemical filter is now capped harder in Europe — here's exactly where the EU landed, and why the US still sells it freely.
Following advice from the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, the EU now restricts oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) as a UV filter to a maximum of 6% in body sunscreens, with lower limits in face and hand products, under amendments to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 phased in through 2025-2026.
Regulatory analysts note that the EU's caps stem from SCCS safety reviews weighing systemic absorption and endocrine-disruption concerns — and that the gap with US rules means a sunscreen sold on both sides of the Atlantic may not share the same oxybenzone concentration.
Questions we get a lot
What is the new EU limit on oxybenzone?
Under amendments to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the EU restricts oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) as a UV filter to a maximum of 6% in body sunscreens, with lower limits for face and hand products. These stricter conditions are being phased in through 2025-2026. The caps follow scientific advice from the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety.
Is oxybenzone banned in US sunscreens too?
No. While the EU has tightened its limits, oxybenzone remains permitted in the United States, where it is still widely sold. That means a product available in both markets may carry different oxybenzone concentrations depending on which region's rules it follows. Check the ingredient list for 'Benzophenone-3' to know what you're applying.
Why did the EU restrict benzophenone-3 further?
The tighter limits follow advice from the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, reflecting reviews of the filter's safety profile. The restrictions appear in updated entries of Annex VI, the EU's positive list of permitted UV filters. Brands are being given a 2025-2026 transition window to reformulate compliant products.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Wait, is the European version of my sunscreen actually different from the US one when it comes to oxybenzone?'