Avobenzone

Tolerability and safety

Irritation potential

Low

Allergen risk

Low

Pregnancy

Caution

Suitable for

Normal, Combination, Oily, Dry

Use with caution

Sensitive

Stains fabric

This ingredient can leave stubborn stains on clothes – yellow or rust-orange, often showing up only after washing, most visible on white and synthetic fabrics. Let the product absorb before dressing, pretreat marks before machine washing, and skip chlorine bleach: it sets these stains.

About this ingredient

Avobenzone (INCI Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is a synthetic organic UV filter with strong UVA1 absorption. For years it was the only organic filter in the FDA over-the-counter sunscreen monograph that covered UVA1. In June 2026 the FDA added bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S), which also covers UVA1, to the monograph (up to 6%, order OTC000039, in force since 9 August 2026). Where applied. Sunscreens up to 3% in US, 5% in EU, Canada, Japan. Often combined with octocrylene, octisalate, oxybenzone for broad-spectrum coverage. In Spain – La Roche-Posay Anthelios, Vichy Capital Soleil, Bioderma Photoderm. Photoinstability – the key issue. Avobenzone alone degrades under UV within 30-60 minutes – loses 50-90% of UVA protection. Without photostabilizers, avobenzone sunscreen stops protecting within an hour. Modern formulations add octocrylene, bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S), DESA (diethylhexyl-2,6-naphthalate) – stabilize avobenzone. Benzophenone controversy 2021. Sayre et al. (Chem Res Toxicol, 2021) showed that with prolonged storage (>1 year at room temperature) octocrylene in avobenzone formulas degrades into benzophenone – a potential endocrine disruptor. After the publication, manufacturers (L'Oréal, Beiersdorf, Pierre Fabre) shifted to Tinosorb S-stabilized variants or removed avobenzone/octocrylene altogether. Safety. CIR/SCCS confirm safety at concentrations up to 5%. Topical systemic absorption was reported in FDA Matta (JAMA 2020) – avobenzone is detected in plasma after maximum application. Clinical significance has not been established. Allergic and photocontact reactions are rare. Pregnancy and lactation – acceptable. EU EMA and Spanish AEDV consider avobenzone safe in topical use in pregnancy. Some gynecologists recommend switching to mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or new organic filters (Tinosorb S, Mexoryl 400) – more photostable and without benzophenone metabolite. Alternatives. Tinosorb S/M, Mexoryl SX/400, mineral filters. In modern EU sunscreens (post-2022) avobenzone is often replaced by these analogues. Avobenzone binds iron in tap water and leaves rust-orange marks on clothes, which often show up only after washing – white and synthetic fabrics suffer most. Let the sunscreen absorb before dressing, pretreat marks before machine washing, and skip chlorine bleach: it sets rust stains.

Frequently asked questions