Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane)
Avobenzone, listed on labels as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, is a chemical filter that protects against the UVA rays responsible for skin ageing. It is generally well regarded in terms of safety; its main weakness is that it breaks down easily in sunlight, which is why it is used together with stabilising ingredients.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
The lower end applies to well-stabilised formulas; for sensitive skin it moves towards the upper end because it can, although rarely, cause allergies, and because of its breakdown products.
What is avobenzone and what is it used for?
Avobenzone is an organic UV filter derived from dibenzoylmethane. Its real strength is in the long-wave UVA range. Rather than causing sunburn, UVA rays reach the deeper layers of the skin and contribute to pigmentation, wrinkles and long-term skin damage.
Because many chemical filters mainly block UVB, avobenzone has for many years been one of the most popular ingredients for providing broad-spectrum (both UVA and UVB) protection.
Which products contain it?
- Broad-spectrum sunscreens and sun lotions
- Day creams and foundations with SPF
- Lip balms with sun protection
On the label it appears under its INCI name, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane; avobenzone is the name commonly used commercially.
The problem of breaking down in the sun
Avobenzone's known weakness is that it is not photostable: when exposed to sunlight its structure changes and its protective power declines over time. This is why manufacturers use it with stabilising filters such as octocrylene or with special formulation techniques.
Avobenzone can also become unstable when mixed, without special precautions, with some iron and metal salts or with mineral filters such as zinc oxide. Well-designed products take these issues into account; what you need to do as a consumer is reapply the cream during the day.
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
Avobenzone is on the EU list of substances permitted as UV filters up to a set maximum; Turkish cosmetics legislation is aligned with the EU. It is also used in sunscreens in the US; as with many other filters, the FDA has asked for additional data on avobenzone that meets current standards.
Avobenzone has been shown to be absorbed through the skin to some extent; but this alone does not mean it is harmful. No marked concern about hormonal effects has emerged, as it has for benzophenone-3 and homosalate. Contact or photoallergic reactions have rarely been reported.
Who should be careful?
- People with a history of rashes from sunscreen: Although rare, avobenzone can cause photoallergy.
- People with sensitive skin around the eyes: Some chemical filters can sting if they get into the eyes; mineral formulas may be more comfortable around the eyes.
What to do when you see it on a label
A product containing avobenzone is a good sign for UVA protection. Apply enough cream and reapply it, especially after sweating, swimming or long periods in the sun. If your skin reacts to chemical filters, you can try mineral products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Frequently asked questions
Is avobenzone safe?
It is used in sunscreens at the levels permitted in the EU and the US. Its most notable problem is not safety but losing its effectiveness as it breaks down in the sun.
Why does avobenzone lose its effect during the day?
It is not light-stable. Stabilising ingredients reduce this loss, but you still need to reapply the cream every few hours.
The label doesn't say avobenzone but claims UVA protection. How?
On the label avobenzone appears under its INCI name, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane. Other UVA filters or mineral filters can also provide UVA protection.
Can avobenzone be used during pregnancy?
No particular concern relating to pregnancy has been reported for avobenzone. Even so, if you want to be more cautious during this time, you can choose mineral-filter products and ask your doctor about anything that worries you.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.