Chemical UV filters
Never allowed
Oxybenzone · Octinoxate · Homosalate · Octocrylene · Avobenzone · Octisalate · Benzophenone-3 · Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Organic molecules that absorb UV light and convert it to heat.
- What it does
- Actives & treatment
- Our take
- These absorb into the bloodstream at concentrations the FDA has said require further safety data before they can be deemed generally recognized as safe. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are also implicated in coral bleaching and are banned in Hawaii, Key West and Palau. Every sunscreen we carry uses non-nano zinc oxide instead.
- Best for
- Sun protection
- Can it clog pores
- Low risk. It is not on the acne clinics' pore-clogging lists. This flag is for the face only, it does not apply to body, hair or home care.
- Instead try
- Non-nano zinc oxide, which is what all our SPF uses.
What we read
- FDA 2019 proposed rule, 84 FR 6204 · reviewed Sep 2026
Every other ingredient, with the same treatment.
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