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Ingredients › Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)

Baby skincare · 0–36 months

Is oxybenzone safe for babies?

Oxybenzone in baby sunscreen

Oxybenzone, listed as benzophenone-3, is a chemical UV filter in many sunscreens. The EU has limited how much a product may contain, and the AAP suggests avoiding it where you can. Pikabee flags it in any skincare for a child under three.

What Pikabee flags, by age

0–6 monthsRED FLAG

Flagged. Under 6 months the AAP advises shade and clothing instead of sunscreen, so Pikabee flags any sunscreen at this age, and oxybenzone on top.

6–12 monthsRED FLAG

Flagged. A mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) is not flagged.

12–36 monthsRED FLAG

Flagged. A mineral sunscreen is not flagged.

What it is

Oxybenzone absorbs UV light. The AAP suggests avoiding it where you can because of concerns about mild hormonal properties.

Mineral filters — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — sit on the skin and are what the AAP suggests for children. Pikabee does not flag them in a sunscreen from 6 months.

Names it goes by on labels

Why Pikabee flags it

The EU limited benzophenone-3 in sunscreens and other products in 2022 (Regulation 2022/1176) after its scientific committee's review. The AAP advises keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sun, and for older children suggests avoiding oxybenzone where possible and choosing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

How often parents find it

1 of 31

different baby skincare labels parents have scanned with Pikabee had oxybenzone, as of 4 November 2026.

Questions parents ask

Is oxybenzone safe for a baby under 6 months?

Flagged. Under 6 months the AAP advises shade and clothing instead of sunscreen, so Pikabee flags any sunscreen at this age, and oxybenzone on top.

Is oxybenzone safe for a 6 to 12 month old baby?

Flagged. A mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) is not flagged. The EU limited benzophenone-3 in sunscreens and other products in 2022 (Regulation 2022/1176) after its scientific committee's review.

Is oxybenzone safe for a 1 to 3 year old?

Flagged. A mineral sunscreen is not flagged. The EU limited benzophenone-3 in sunscreens and other products in 2022 (Regulation 2022/1176) after its scientific committee's review.

Can I use sunscreen on my 4 month old?

The AAP advises shade and clothing under 6 months, and sunscreen only on small areas like the face when there is no other way. Pikabee flags sunscreen at 0–6 months.

Which sunscreen is better for a toddler?

The AAP suggests zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Pikabee does not flag those from 6 months, and flags oxybenzone.

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Sources

  1. Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1176 (limits on benzophenone-3 in sunscreens and other products).
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Sun safety: keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun; avoid oxybenzone where you can.

Last reviewed 6 November 2026.

Related ingredients

Talk to your pediatrician about anything concerning.