Ingredient · INCI reference
Benzophenone-8
a.k.a. Dioxybenzone
CAS 131-53-3
Dioxybenzone, or Benzophenone-8, is an older photostable organic filter absorbing UVA2 and UVB. It is approved only in the US, capped at 3%. It is not approved in the EU, Japan, or Korea. EWG rates it 4.
Legacy organic Pre-2000 chemical filters; broadly approved. Gen · old organic
01 Spectrum coverage UVA2 · UVB
02 Regional approval · max %
JP — — Japan: No data KR — — South Korea: No data EU — — Europe: No data US ✓ 3% United States: Approved · max 3%
03 Safety profile
EWG score
4
Reef-toxic
No
Endocrine disruptor
No
Comedogenicity
0
Reference
Frequently asked questions
What does dioxybenzone cover?
It absorbs UVA2 and UVB. It does not cover UVA1, so it must be paired with a UVA1 filter for full broad-spectrum protection.
Where is dioxybenzone allowed?
Only the US approves dioxybenzone among the markets tracked here, with a 3% cap. It is not approved in the EU, Japan, or Korea.
Why does dioxybenzone get a higher EWG rating?
EWG rates dioxybenzone 4, higher than most modern filters. The safety flags here show no endocrine-disruption or reef-toxicity classification.