Avobenzone is specifically the most effective sunscreen agent against UVA rays.
Avobenzone is susceptible to photodegredation, and therefore it is important that avobenzone be combined with photostabilizers in the final sunscreen product.
Avobenzone's been considered a relatively safe chemical, but recent research suggests otherwise.
CAS Number: 70356-09-1
Molecular Formula: C20H22O3
Molecular Weight: 310.39
EINECS Number: 274-581-6
Synonyms: Avobenzone, 70356-09-1, Parsol 1789, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Escalol 517, Eusolex 9020, 1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione, Avobenzona, NeoHeliopan 357, Avobenzonum, 4-tert-Butyl-4'-methoxy-dibenzoylmethane, 1-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedione, 1-(4-(tert-Butyl)phenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione, 4-TERT-BUTYL-4'-METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE, HSDB 7423, UNII-G63QQF2NOX, Avobenzonum [INN-Latin], G63QQF2NOX, Avobenzona [INN-Spanish], EINECS 274-581-6, 1,3-Propanedione, 1-[4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, NSC-758680, 1-(p-tert-Butylphenyl)-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedione, 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3-propanedione, 4-methoxy-4'-tert-butyldibenzoylmethane, 1-(4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedione, Avobenzone [USAN:USP:INN], DTXSID9044829, EC 274-581-6, NSC 758680, ANTHELIOS SX COMPONENT AVOBENZONE, NCGC00095112-01, CAPITAL SOLEIL COMPONENT AVOBENZONE, SHADE UVAGUARD COMPONENT AVOBENZONE, Avobenzonum (INN-Latin), Avobenzona (INN-Spanish), 1,3-Propanedione, 1-(4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, AVOBENZONE (MART.), AVOBENZONE [MART.], AVOBENZONE (USP-RS), AVOBENZONE [USP-RS], 23644-60-2, Avobenzone (USAN:USP:INN), DTXCID7024829, AVOBENZONE (USP IMPURITY), AVOBENZONE [USP IMPURITY], 1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propan-1,3-dione, AVOBENZONE (USP MONOGRAPH), AVOBENZONE [USP MONOGRAPH], 1-[4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedione, Parsol A, BMDBM cpd, SMR001562107, CAS-70356-09-1, butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane, PONDSclarant b3, Ponds Clarant B3, MFCD00210252, Avobenzone (Standard), Spectrum_001715, PONDSVAO-B3, AVOBENZONE [MI], SpecPlus_000764, Avobenzone (USP/INN), AVOBENZONE [INN], Spectrum2_001663, Spectrum3_000990, Spectrum4_001116, Spectrum5_001358, AVOBENZONE [HSDB], AVOBENZONE [USAN], Avobenzone(Parsol 1789), AVOBENZONE [WHO-DD], Anti-Dark Moisturizing Cream, Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), SCHEMBL15650, BSPBio_002659, KBioGR_001592, KBioSS_002195, MLS002695918, MLS006010050, BIDD:ER0196, DivK1c_006860, SPECTRUM1504190, SPBio_001845, Avobenzone, analytical standard, AVOBENZONE [ORANGE BOOK], CHEMBL1200522, HY-B0316R, KBio1_001804, KBio2_002195, KBio2_004763, KBio2_007331, KBio3_001879, MSK3417, CHEBI:134751, HMS1922F17, HMS2093C04, HMS3655C22, HMS3715F14, Pharmakon1600-01504190, HY-B0316, Tox21_111427, Tox21_202796, CCG-39080, LEADERS SUNBUDDY ALL OVER SUN, NSC758680, s1904, 1-(4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedi- one, 1-(4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione, AKOS015838120, Tox21_111427_1, AC-1682, DB09495, FA18034, NCGC00095112-02, NCGC00095112-03, NCGC00095112-04, NCGC00095112-05, NCGC00260342-01, AS-12797, SBI-0052777.P002, AVOBENZONE COMPONENT OF ANTHELIOS SX, AVOBENZONE COMPONENT OF CAPITAL SOLEIL, AVOBENZONE COMPONENT OF SHADE UVAGUARD, B3382, NS00002639, SW219665-1, A10905, D03015, AB00053273_04, AB00053273_05, EN300-7406285, A836855, SR-05000001974, Q2775914, SR-05000001974-1, BRD-K14401183-001-10-7, BRD-K14401183-001-11-5, 1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propane-1,3-dione, Avobenzone, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-(tert)-butylphenyl)-1,3-propanedione, 1-(4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedi-one, Avobenzone, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material, 1-[4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedione;1-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione;But ylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, 274-581-6, AVOBENZONE;EUSOLEX(R) 9020;4-tert-butyl-4'-methoxy-dibenzoylmethane;4-T-BUTYL-4'-METHOXY-DIBENZOYLMETHANE;1-(4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedione;1-(4-TERT-BUTYLPHENYL)-3-(4-METHOXYPHENYL) 1,3-PROPANEDIOL;1-(P-T-BUTYLPHENYL)-3-(P-METHOXYPHENYL)-1,3-PROPANEDIONE;PARSOL 1789
Avobenzone is a sunscreen agent that protects against the full spectrum of UV light.
Of all sunscreen agents, avobenzone has one of the largest absorbance spectrums, absorbing light between 320 – 400 nm (peak absorption ~ 360 nm).
Exposure to UV rays is a leading cause of skin cancer, and so use of an effective sunscreen, like avobenzone or avobenzone in combination with other agents, helps to lower risk of developing skin cancer.
Avobenzone degrades in the sun, resulting in the release of free radicals that may actually increase the risk for cancer.
Methoxydibenzoylmethane is also known as Avobenzone.
It is a derivative of dibenzoyl methane.
A wider range of ultraviolet light wavelengths can be absorbed by avobenzone.
Avobenzone is present in a lot of broad-range sunscreens that are commercially available.
It functions as a sunblock.
A topical UV protector with a broad spectrum, avobenzone blocks UVA I, UVA II, and UVB wavelengths, reducing the damage that UV rays can do to the skin.
Avobenzone is an UVA filter.
Avobenzone is used in sunscreen lotions and cosmetic formulations.
Avobenzone has maximum absorption at ca 340–350 nm, decreasing under UV irradiation resulting in loss of the UVA protecting effect.
Its photostability is very sensitive as it is stable in polar protic solvent and is photolabile in nonpolar solvents.
Avobenzone is a chemical compound primarily used in sunscreens and other personal care products to provide protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Avobenzone is a broad-spectrum UVA filter, meaning it effectively absorbs and neutralizes the longer UVA rays that can penetrate deep into the skin, leading to premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Avobenzone is known for its stability and efficacy in a wide range of cosmetic formulations, and it is often chosen for its ability to protect the skin without the typical irritation associated with some other UV filters.
Avobenzone is an organic molecule and an oil-soluble ingredient used in sunscreen products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays.
Avobenzone is an oil-soluble UVA filter.
Ability to absorb ultraviolet light over a wider range of wavelengths than many other sunscreen agents.
Can easily be combined with other sunscreens (e.g. octocrylene, homosalate, ethylhexyl salicylate, OM-cinnamate).
Avobenzone is dibenzoyl methane derivative.
It is oil soluble ingredient.
Avobenzone has the ability to absorb ultraviolet light over wider range of wavelengths.
It is included in many commercially available sunscreens which are used as wide spectrum sunscreens.
Avobenzone is very sensitive to light, to increase its stability and duration of action, photostablizers are added in the sunscreen product.
Avobenzone has an absorption maximum of 357 nm.
Sunscreens containing avobenzone is indicated for providing protection from the sun.
In addition to limiting the skin's exposure to the sun, using sunscreen agents may help reduce long-term sun damage such as premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
Avobenzone was patented in 1973 and was approved in the EU in 1978.
It was approved by the FDA in 1988. As of 2021, the FDA announced that they do not support avobenzone as being generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) citing the need for additional safety data.
Avobenzone was banned in 2020 by the Palau government citing reef-toxicity concerns.
Pure avobenzone is a whitish to yellowish crystalline powder with a weak odor, dissolving in isopropanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, decyl oleate, capric acid/caprylic, triglycerides and other oils.
It is not soluble in water.
Avobenzone is a dibenzoylmethane derivative.
Avobenzone exists in the ground state as a mixture of the enol and keto forms, favoring the chelated enol.
This enol form is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen-bonding within the β-diketone.
Its ability to absorb ultraviolet light over a wider range of wavelengths than many other sunscreen agents has led to its use in many commercial preparations marketed as "broad spectrum" sunscreens.
Avobenzone has an absorption maximum of 357 nm.
Avobenzone is used in the creation of sun protection products.
When this ingredient is used in sun protection products in the US, it will be listed on the label as Avobenzone.
When applied to the skin, avobenzone blocks UV rays.
By absorbing UV rays, Avobenzone can also be used to shield cosmetics and personal care items from deterioration.
It is globally the only available chemical sunscreen that provides proper UV-A protection.
This makes Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane the gold standard of UV-A protection.
Avobenzone is approved for use in sun care preparations at a maximum concentration of 3% in America and a maximum of 5% in Europe.
Complexing avobenzone with cyclodextrins may also increase its photostability.
Formulations of avobenzone with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin have shown significant reduction in photo-induced degradation, as well as decreased transdermal penetration of the UV absorber when used in high concentrations.
The photostability of avobenzone is further increased when sunscreens are formulated with antioxidant compounds.
Mangiferin, glutathione, ubiquinone, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and trans-resveratrol have all demonstrated some ability to protect avobenzone from photodegradation.
The stability and efficacy of avobenzone seems to continue to increase as a greater amount of antioxidants are added to the
sunscreen.
According to some studies, "the most effective sunscreens contain avobenzone and titanium dioxide."
Avobenzone can degrade faster in light in combination with mineral UV absorbers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, though with the right coating of the mineral particles this reaction can be reduced.
A manganese doped titanium dioxide may be better than undoped titanium dioxide to improve avobenzone's stability.
As an enolate, avobenzone forms with heavy metal ions (such as Fe3+) colored complexes, and chelating agents can be added to suppress them.
Stearates, aluminum, magnesium and zinc salts can lead to poorly soluble precipitates.
Manufacturers also recommend to avoid the inclusion of iron and ferric salts, heavy metals, formaldehyde donors and PABA and PABA esters.
Avobenzone in sunscreen may stain clothes yellow-orange and make them sticky if washed in iron-rich water, as it reacts with iron to produce rust.
The damage can be undone with a rust remover or stain remover.
The staining properties of sunblock made with avobenzone are particularly noticeable on fiberglass boats with white gelcoat.
Avobenzone also reacts with boron trifluoride to form a stable crystalline complex that is highly fluorescent under UV irradiation.
The emission color of the crystals depends on the molecular packing of the boron avobenzone complex.
The photoluminescence may also be altered by mechanical force in the solid state, resulting in a phenomenon called "mechanochromic luminescence".
The altered emission color recovers itself slowly at room temperature or more swiftly at higher temperatures.
Avobenzone is made by reacting 4-methoxyacetophenone in toluene with 4-tert-butylbenzoic methyl ester in the presence of sodium amide via Claisen condensation (from 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid by esterification with methanol).
According to a recent patent application, yields of up to 95% are obtained with the same starting materials in toluene in the presence of potassium methoxide.
It is subject to keto-enol tautomerism and exists predominantly enol when dissolved.
Upon UV radiation, it may convert to keto form, while converting back to enol form after placing in dark.
It blocks UVA I, UVA II, and UVB wavelengths, thereby limiting the impact of UV rays on skin.
Diminish the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) light through the epidermis by absorbing UV radiation within a specific wavelength range.
The amount and wavelength of UV radiation absorbed are affected by the molecular structure of the sunscreen agent.
Avobenzone is a derivative of dibenzoylmethane, a class of compounds known for their UV-absorbing properties.
In particular, avobenzone’s ability to absorb UVA radiation is what sets it apart from other sunscreen agents that are more focused on UVB protection.
Its chemical structure includes a tert-butyl group that stabilizes the compound and prevents it from breaking down when exposed to sunlight, unlike other UVA filters that can degrade and lose their effectiveness over time.
Melting point: 81-84 °C
Boiling point: 463.6 ± 35.0 °C (Predicted)
Density: 1.079
Vapor pressure: 0 Pa at 25℃
Storage temp.: Inert atmosphere, Room Temperature
Solubility: Chloroform (Slightly), DMSO (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly, Heated, Sonicated)
Form: Solid
pKa: 9.74 ± 0.13 (Predicted)
Color: White to Pale Yellow
Water Solubility: 27 μg/L at 20℃
λmax: 356 nm (EtOH) (lit.)
Merck: 14,888
InChIKey: GTIRDWBOUTYFQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP: 6.1 at 20℃
Avobenzone is a white crystalline powder that functions as a UV absorber.
When applied to the skin, this product absorbs UV rays.
Avobenzone can also be used to protect cosmetics and personal care products from deterioration.
Avobenzone can be used in the formulation of sun protection products, as well as bath, skin, cleansing, hair, nail and fragrance products.
Avobenzone belongs to a dibenzoyl methane derivative.
Avobenzone is oil soluble ingredient.
Since it is very sensitive to light, photostablizers are added in the sunscreen product to increase its stability and duration of action. Avobenzone has an absorption maximum of 357 nm.
Sunscreens containing avobenzone is indicated for providing protection from the sun.
In addition to limiting the skin's exposure to the sun, using sunscreen agents may help reduce long-term sun damage such as premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
Avobenzone is capable of blocking UVA I, UVA II and UVB wavelengths, thereby limiting the impact of UV rays on skin.
Diminish the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) light through the epidermis by absorbing UV radiation within a specific wavelength range.
The amount and wavelength of UV radiation absorbed are affected by the molecular structure of the sunscreen agent.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is harmful for skin cells since it can damage genetic material.
The ozone layer absorbs radiation below 290 nm and thus cosmetic sunscreens need to filter radiation in UV-A (320–380 nm) and UV-B (290–320 nm) bands.
Although there are many available UV-B filters, proper UV-A filters are deficient. 1-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) propane-1, 3-dione (trade name avobenzone (AB)) is the most widely used UV-A absorber in cosmetic sunscreens.
Despite its importance as a UV-A absorber, the photodynamics of AB are not completely understood.
This is due to a fact that photoexcited AB transforms into several transient tautomeric forms the lifetimes of which range from ps to ms.
These tautomerizations together with photodegradation are responsible for a complete loss of UV-A protection under irradiation.
Avobenzone is sensitive to the properties of the solvent, being relatively stable in polar protic solvents and unstable in nonpolar environments.
Also, when it is irradiated with UVA light, it generates a triplet excited state in the keto form which can either cause the avobenzone to degrade or it can transfer energy to biological targets and cause deleterious effects.
Avobenzone has been shown to degrade significantly in light, resulting in less protection over time.
The UV-A light in a day of sunlight in a temperate climate is sufficient to break down most of the compound.
Data presented to the Food and Drug Administration by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association indicates a −36% change in avobenzone's UV absorbance following one hour of exposure to sunlight.
For this reason, in sunscreen products, avobenzone is always formulated together with a photostabilizer, such as octocrylene.
Avobenzone is a synthetic sunscreen ingredient that provides sun protection in the UVA range.
This type of radiation is present all day long, and penetrates deeply into skin, where it causes a cascade of damage that leads to many signs of ageing.
Avobenzone is globally approved. In fact, it’s one of the most widely used UVA filters in the world and has been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, with further safety studies ongoing.
Avobenzone is commonly found in sunscreen products formulated for both everyday use and for those who require higher sun protection, such as individuals with sensitive skin or those spending extended periods outdoors.
Additionally, avobenzone is used in some cosmetics and skin care products to reduce the risk of skin damage from sun exposure, especially in products that offer both anti-aging and sun protection benefits.
However, because it can be unstable when exposed to sunlight, many formulations with avobenzone often include other stabilizers or sunscreen agents to ensure the product’s effectiveness over time.
Avobenzone, also known by various trade names like Parsol 1789, is a synthetic compound that serves as an effective UVA sunscreen agent.
Avobenzone is widely recognized for its ability to absorb a broad spectrum of ultraviolet A radiation, which is responsible for deeper skin penetration and long-term skin damage.
Unlike UVB rays, which are associated with sunburns, UVA rays can cause photoaging and contribute to the development of skin cancers over time.
Avobenzone works by converting the absorbed UV radiation into harmless heat, preventing the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure.
The chemical structure of avobenzone includes a benzoylmethane backbone, which is key to its ability to absorb UV light.
Its structure also contains a butyl group that enhances the compound’s stability, allowing it to remain effective in various cosmetic formulations.
This makes avobenzone especially valuable in sunscreens because it provides long-lasting protection without significant degradation when exposed to sunlight.
However, even though it is relatively stable, avobenzone is sometimes paired with other sunscreen agents, such as octinoxate or octocrylene, to boost its stability and overall effectiveness in the product.
In addition to being a primary ingredient in sunscreens, avobenzone is also used in other skincare products, such as moisturizers and anti-aging treatments, due to its protective qualities.
Avobenzone is commonly included in formulas designed for sensitive skin, as it is considered less irritating compared to some other chemical sunscreens.
Despite its effectiveness, avobenzone can sometimes cause allergic reactions in a small percentage of users, though these instances are relatively rare.
Furthermore, avobenzone is a crucial component in certain high-performance sunscreen products designed for people with specific skincare needs, such as those prone to hyperpigmentation or those who require a product that can protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
The incorporation of avobenzone into cosmetic and skincare formulations reflects the growing demand for more advanced sun protection systems that not only shield the skin from immediate damage but also help prevent long-term skin aging and other UV-related concerns.
Uses Of Avobenzone:
Avobenzone is a sun-A screen chemical that offers broad-range protection against uVA rays.
It is associated with some photoinstability, which can be overcome in the overall sunscreen formulation.
Avobenzone is approved for use up to 3 percent in the united States and 5 percent in the european union. Avobenzone is noted to rarely be photosensitizing.
Avobenzone provides strong absorption through a large portion of the UVA spectrum including the majority of the UVA I range with peak absorption at 360 nm. Photostability refers to the ability of a molecule to remain intact with irradiation.
Avobenzone is potentially a problem with all UV filters, but particularly with the use of avobenzone.
This effect may degrade other sunscreens in a formulation including octyl methoxycinnamate.
Avobenzone and some of the newer sunscreens including BEMT stabilized avobenzone.
Non-UV filters such as diethylhexyl 2,6 naphthalate may also be used.
These molecules function as triplet–triplet quenchers.
Avobenzone is utilized in some professional-grade cosmetic treatments and dermatologist-recommended sunscreens, offering high protection against UVA-induced skin damage.
Its versatility and ability to be incorporated into a wide variety of products, from daily skincare routines to specialized sunscreens for high-intensity sun exposure, make it an indispensable component in the fight against the harmful effects of UV radiation.
As the demand for more advanced sun protection increases, avobenzone's presence in both over-the-counter and prescription products continues to grow, ensuring consumers have access to effective skincare solutions for UV protection.
Avobenzone is primarily used as a broad-spectrum sunscreen agent due to its ability to absorb and block UVA radiation, making it an essential ingredient in sunscreens that aim to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.
Because UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, they can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Avobenzone’s role in sunscreen formulations helps mitigate these risks by effectively absorbing UVA radiation, preventing it from causing damage to the skin.
In addition to sunscreens, avobenzone is used in various skin care and cosmetic products designed to protect the skin from sun damage.
Avobenzone is commonly found in moisturizers, lotions, and foundation products, especially those marketed as anti-aging or for sensitive skin, as it helps prevent the long-term effects of sun exposure, including photoaging.
Avobenzone is included in formulations intended to reduce pigmentation issues, like dark spots or uneven skin tone, by shielding the skin from UVA rays that can exacerbate these conditions.
Avobenzone is also incorporated into products for individuals who are exposed to the sun for extended periods, such as athletes, outdoor workers, and travelers, offering them protection from prolonged UV exposure.
For people with skin conditions like melasma, where sun exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation, avobenzone’s inclusion in products helps to reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Moreover, its use extends beyond just providing protection from UV rays; it is also a stabilizing agent in sunscreen products, ensuring that other sunscreen ingredients remain effective and do not degrade when exposed to sunlight.
Avobenzone is not only commonly used in sunscreen formulations but also plays a significant role in protecting sensitive skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Avobenzone is often incorporated into products specifically designed for individuals with skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, or eczema.
Since UV radiation can trigger flare-ups of these conditions, avobenzone’s inclusion in skincare products helps protect the skin while offering soothing benefits.
This makes it an essential ingredient in sunscreens marketed to those with compromised or easily irritated skin.
Furthermore, avobenzone is an important component in products designed for people with a history of skin cancer or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
For these individuals, avobenzone provides much-needed protection from the UVA rays that can increase the risk of further skin damage.
This has led to the use of avobenzone in both therapeutic and cosmetic sunscreens that are recommended by dermatologists to help protect against further damage from UV radiation.
In the realm of anti-aging skincare, avobenzone is often added to formulations intended to prevent or minimize the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
By protecting the skin from UVA radiation, it helps prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which are key to maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity.
This makes it a valuable ingredient in serums, creams, and lotions marketed for anti-aging benefits.
Avobenzone is also found in a variety of makeup products, especially foundations and tinted moisturizers, that offer sun protection along with cosmetic coverage.
The inclusion of avobenzone in these products helps consumers protect their skin from sun damage while achieving a flawless appearance.
The demand for multi-functional makeup products that combine sun protection with beautifying effects has driven the use of avobenzone in these cosmetic formulations.
Additionally, avobenzone is incorporated into formulations used in outdoor and recreational products, including those designed for water sports and beach use.
Since avobenzone’s broad-spectrum protection is effective even in high-exposure environments, it is often included in water-resistant sunscreens that ensure lasting protection while swimming or sweating.
This makes it ideal for people who spend significant time outdoors, as it offers long-lasting defense against the harmful effects of the sun.
In short, the uses of avobenzone extend far beyond traditional sunscreens.
Its inclusion in a wide range of products, from daily skincare routines to specific treatments for sensitive or aging skin, highlights its versatility as a UV filter and its essential role in skin protection.
As consumer awareness of the dangers of UV radiation continues to grow, avobenzone’s use is expected to expand even further, providing effective and comprehensive protection against UVA-induced skin damage.
Safety Profile Of Avobenzone:
Although avobenzone itself has very low toxicity, when exposed to light in a chlorinated water solution, avobenzone can be broken down into a combination of aromatic acids, aldehydes, phenols and acetyl benzenes, several of which are highly toxic.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the safety of Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane and approved its use as an active ingredient in Over-the-Counter (OTC) sunscreen drug products at concentrations up to 3%.
When used in OTC sunscreen products, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane is called Avobenzone.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of this ingredient because the safety has been assessed by FDA.
This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.
Avobenzone, a petroleum-based sunscreen active ingredient, is not generally recognised as safe and effective (GRASE) by the FDA for lack of sufficient data to support this claim.
However, it is still the only FDA approved UVA filter (up to 3% concentration).
Avobenzone is also approved in all other jurisdictions, such as EU (up to 5%), Australia, and Japan.
A 2017 study at Lomonosov Moscow State University found that chlorinated water and ultraviolet light can cause avobenzone to disintegrate into various other organic compounds, including; phenolic acids, aldehydes, phenols, and acetophenones which can cause adverse health effects.