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.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with 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.
What the research says.
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 status.
How avobenzone is regulated in cosmetics 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.
The reason brands include it.
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 types.
Click a category to see every product containing avobenzone.
Products Containing Avobenzone
These popular products list avobenzone in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full breakdown.
And 20 more products in our database.
Compared to Numbrrrz.
Here’s how the lowest-scoring product containing avobenzone compares.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35
Neutrogena
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
Get Your Free Ingredient Safety Report
Enter your email and we'll send you a personalized breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients in your daily products.
What to use instead.
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.
Quick answers.
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?
How these brands stack up.
Brands that use avobenzone — see how they compare.