Check the new benzophenone-3 warning on the back of your sunscreen
Key Takeaway
Since 2 September 2026, cosmetics with more than 2.4% benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) must warn against whole-body use. If your sunscreen carries it, apply it only where the directions say.
What did the new notice add?
On 5 August 2026 the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) amended the Regulation on Precautions for Cosmetic Use and Labeling of Allergens (Notice No. 2026-56) and added a benzophenone-3 item to the ingredient-specific precautions. The attached text of the notice sets out the following.
| Item | What the notice says |
|---|---|
| Covered products | Products containing benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone). Products with 2.4% or less are excluded |
| Required wording | Use only on the areas stated in the directions and do not use on the whole body |
| Effective date | 2 September 2026 |
| Products affected | Cosmetics first manufactured or imported after the effective date (customs clearance date for imports) |
| Existing packaging | Containers and packaging printed under the old rule may be used until six months after the effective date |
The same notice also lets products that may not be rinsed off right away, such as dry shampoo, leave out the shampoo warning about hair loss or discoloration if not rinsed with water. That change is separate from sunscreen.
In what order should you check your current sunscreen?
Lay the container or box flat in good light and work through these steps.
- Look for "benzophenone-3" or "oxybenzone" in the full ingredient list.
- If it is there, check whether the "precautions for use" section includes the warning about not using it on the whole body.
- If the warning is there, read the "directions and dosage" section to see which areas it lists.
- Before throwing the box away, photograph the precautions and directions.
Do not judge the content from where the ingredient sits in the list. According to Easy Law, ingredients are listed in descending order of content, but ingredients at 1% or less, fragrances and colorants can appear in any order. The position in the list alone will not tell you whether it exceeds 2.4%.
Is the label wrong if the ingredient is there but the warning is not?
It is hard to call that a labeling violation straight away. Under the notice there are three situations in which the warning may be absent.
| Situation | Why the warning may be missing |
|---|---|
| Content of 2.4% or less | The notice excludes these products from the start |
| Made or imported before 2 September 2026 | The rule applies only to products first made or imported after the effective date |
| Packaging printed under the old rule | It may be used until six months after the effective date |
If the label does not tell you which case applies, note the batch code printed on the container and contact the responsible seller's customer service. The batch code identifies the production lot, so giving it when you ask about the manufacturing date makes it easier to get an answer.
Do you need a separate sunscreen for your arms and legs?
The notice requires products carrying the warning to be used only on the areas stated in the directions. If you plan to spread a product labeled for the face over your arms, legs or back, it makes more sense to keep a separate product whose directions mention body or whole-body use.
The notice only sets the warning wording and its scope. When you are deciding whether to switch products, first read the directions section of the new product to see where it is meant to be applied. If the new product contains benzophenone-3, check the box once more for the same warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oxybenzone and benzophenone-3 different ingredients?
They are two names for the same ingredient. The MFDS notice writes it as 'benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone)'. Look for either name in the ingredient list.
Do sunscreen sticks and sprays also need this warning?
The rule is based on benzophenone-3 content, not the product format. A stick, spray or cream with more than 2.4% is covered, and one with 2.4% or less is not.
Can I tell from the label whether a product has more than 2.4%?
Usually not, because ingredient lists rarely show percentages. Check whether the precautions section carries the warning first. If you still want to know, give the batch code to the responsible seller and ask whether the product falls under the content threshold.
Sources & Verification Date
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — Partial amendment to the regulation on cosmetic use precautions and allergen labeling (Notice No. 2026-56) · Verified
- Easy Law — Cosmetic labeling standards and methods · Verified
All materials have been verified from official announcements and may have changed since verification.