Is Oxybenzone (BP-3) Safe During Pregnancy?
Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter also listed as BP-3 or benzophenone-3. In our MamaSkin ingredient library it is classified as medium risk due to systemic absorption and limited pregnancy-specific data. For pregnancy, mineral filters are the safer default.
Quick verdict
- Safe-leaning: mineral SPF with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Use with caution: chemical sunscreens that include oxybenzone.
- Avoid: repeated daily use of multiple chemical filters if you want the most conservative option.
Why oxybenzone is flagged
Oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin. Because of endocrine activity signals in lab studies and the lack of robust pregnancy data, we mark it as medium risk and suggest mineral options instead.
Pregnancy-safe mineral sunscreen examples from our database
- Suntribe Natural Mineral Zinc Sun Stick SPF 30 (score 100) - mineral stick.
- Suntribe Natural Mineral Face & Sport Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 (score 100) - full face mineral SPF.
- Hello Sunday The Mineral One SPF 50 Hydrating Serum (score 99) - hydrating mineral sunscreen.
- Garden of Wisdom Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Spray (score 99) - easy spray format.
- Functionalab Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (score 99) - tinted mineral option.
Ingredient watchlist from our library
- Oxybenzone (medium risk): chemical UV filter.
- Avobenzone (medium risk): another chemical UV filter.
- Zinc oxide (no known risks): mineral filter preferred in pregnancy.
FAQs
- Is BP-3 the same as oxybenzone? Yes, BP-3 is another name for oxybenzone.
- Do I need to stop using sunscreen? No, sun protection is still important in pregnancy.
- What if my sunscreen is a mix of filters? Scan the ingredient list in MamaSkin to decide.
Read next
- Is Avobenzone Safe During Pregnancy?
- Is Zinc Oxide Safe During Pregnancy?
- Is Vichy Safe During Pregnancy?
References
- FDA sunscreen overview: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun
- ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
- DermNet NZ on skin changes in pregnancy: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-changes-in-pregnancy
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FAQs
Is oxybenzone safe during pregnancy?
Oxybenzone is medium risk in our ingredient library, so mineral filters are preferred.
Is oxybenzone the same as BP-3?
Yes. BP-3 is another name for oxybenzone.
What sunscreens are safer in pregnancy?
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the lowest risk options.