97% of people tested had oxybenzone in their urine, and the chemical shows up in waterways and fish worldwide. In humans, it's linked to allergic reactions and suspected of disrupting hormones; environmentally, it damages coral reefs and harms fish. The researchers question whether oxybenzone's sun protection actually justifies these health and environmental risks, especially since safer alternatives like zinc oxide exist.

This was a review of existing research, including CDC data on human chemical exposure, scientific reports on oxybenzone in waterways, and studies on its effects on human health and marine ecosystems.

Funding not disclosed in abstract