Avobenzone
Also known as: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Parsol 1789, BMDBM
One of the few chemical UV filters that provides good UVA protection. However, it is photounstable, breaking down rapidly under UV light and losing effectiveness within 30 minutes unless stabilized by other chemicals.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Avobenzone.
Acceptable for incidental sun exposure if product is well-formulated.
Daily use results in detectable systemic levels. Mineral sunscreens are preferred for everyday protection.
Moderate concern. Photodegradation means frequent reapplication increases chemical exposure without proportional UV benefit.
Health Risks
Degrades under UV into free radicals and potentially allergenic photodegradation products.
Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2002
Can cause photoallergic contact dermatitis in some individuals.
Absorbed systemically at levels exceeding FDA safety thresholds after a single day of use.
JAMA, 2019 — systemic absorption of sunscreen chemicals
Global Regulatory Status
How avobenzone is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 3% as OTC sunscreen; one of few GRASE-eligible UV filters.
Details
Max 5% as UV filter (Annex VI).
Details
Max 5% as UV filter, mirroring EU.
Details
Max 3% as UV filter.
Details
Max 10% under MHLW positive list.
Details
Max 5% as UV filter.
Details
Max 5% as active sunscreen (TGA).
Details
Max 5% per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
Max 5% per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted with limits.
Details
Max 5%, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use Avobenzone
Provides broad-spectrum UVA protection. Often combined with octocrylene or homosalate to improve photostability.
32
products in our database
12
brands use it
2
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose avobenzone because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like zinc oxide (provides superior UVA protection), titanium dioxide, iron oxides deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Avobenzone in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing avobenzone in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing Avobenzone
These popular products list avobenzone in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
And 20 more products in our database.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing avobenzone compares to Numbrrrz.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35
Neutrogena
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz products contain no avobenzone or chemical UV filters. Our vitamin E provides natural antioxidant protection, and our formula avoids the photodegradation issues of chemical sunscreens.
FAQ
Is avobenzone effective?
Why does avobenzone need to be stabilized?
Is avobenzone absorbed into the bloodstream?
Can avobenzone cause skin allergies?
What are other names for avobenzone on labels?
Does Numbrrrz use avobenzone?
See How These Brands Compare to Numbrrrz
Brands that use avobenzone in their products — see how they stack up.
