Reef-Killing & Oil-Draining: Why Oxybenzone Doesn’t Belong in Modern Sunscree

It’s already been banned in Hawaii, Palau, and parts of Thailand. Scientific studies have shown it causes genotoxicity, coral bleaching, and hormonal disruption in marine life. But there’s another hidden danger to oxybenzone, one that’s not discussed nearly enough: it’s made from crude oil.

From Oil Well to Beach Towel

To manufacture oxybenzone, we start with benzene a byproduct of petroleum refining. From there, through a complex series of chemical reactions, benzene becomes phenol, then hydroquinone, and ultimately oxybenzone.

This entire process is not only energy-intensive, but also extremely carbon-heavy. Based on internal modelling and corroboration with Dr Craig Downs, the production of 1 litre of oxybenzone could require nearly 100 litres of crude oil. In some oil fields, that number could rise to 900 litres of crude oil just to get the initial benzene.

And all of this… for one bottle of sunscreen?

Environmental Fallout: The Impact on Our Oceans

Oxybenzone has been shown to cause widespread harm in marine ecosystems:

• Coral Bleaching: It makes corals more sensitive to heat stress and increases bleaching events.

• Endocrine Disruption: Marine species exposed to it have exhibited disrupted reproductive cycles.

• Genetic Damage: Studies show it causes DNA damage in coral larvae and other marine organisms.

• Zombification of Coral Reefs: Juveniles that survive exposure often become sterile or grow abnormally.

Worse yet, the chemical persists in the environment and accumulates in aquatic systems, with far-reaching implications for biodiversity and coastal economies reliant on reef health.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainability Starts with Ingredients

There’s a growing focus on sustainable packaging, refill systems, and carbon-neutral shipping. But we mustn’t ignore the hidden environmental cost of the active ingredients themselves.

As governments introduce stricter ESG reporting requirements, particularly around supply chain emissions, brands still using petrochemical UV filters like oxybenzone may soon face serious scrutiny from regulators, consumers, and investors alike.

Time to Choose Better

If you're truly serious about sustainability, oxybenzone cannot be part of the equation. The future lies in non-toxic, mineral-based formulations, biodegradable packaging, and full lifecycle transparency.

Let’s protect our skin and the planet at the same time.