On 25 August 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the publication of the conclusions of the evaluation of Oxybenzone (INCI: Benzophenone-3) carried out by Denmark as part of the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP). This could lead to the substance being classified as an endocrine disruptor.
Oxybenzone (CAS No.131-57-7, EC No.205-031-5, INCI: Benzophenone-3) is an ingredient listed in the CosIng with the functions: Light stabilizer, UV Absorber, UV Filter.
The substance is regulated by European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is listed in Annex Annexe VI/4 (Authorized UV filters). Regulation (UE) 2022/1176, applicable since 2023, limited it maximum concentration to 6% in face products, hand products, and lip products, excluding propellant and pump spray products, to 2.2% in body products, including propellant and pump spray products, and to 0.5% in other products.
It is not currently listed in Annex VI of the European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
It was included in CoRAP for several reasons for concern:
• Endocrine disruption (human health)
• Endocrine disruption (environment)
• Wide dispersive use
• Consumer use
• Exposure to sensitive populations
• Exposure of workers
• Exposure of environment
Le Denmark closed the dossier in August 2025, with the following conclusions:
• Endocrine disruption (human health): Concern confirmed
• Endocrine disruption (environment): Concern confirmed
In its evaluation report, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency explains that “the data indicates that the criteria for classification as an endocrine disruptor for human health as well as for the environment are …
