Authority source
Safety basis: FDA
FDA assessment
Avobenzone
Avobenzone (INCI)Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Sunscreen UV Filter
Avobenzone is a chemical that helps protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It's often used in sunscreens and other products to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
What it is
Avobenzone is a synthetic organic compound that absorbs UV radiation and converts it into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Found in
sunscreens, moisturizers, lip balms, after-sun products
The concern
No significant concerns identified
Legal status
Generally recognized as safe and effective for use in sunscreens at concentrations up to 3% by the FDA; approved for use in the EU at concentrations up to 5%.
Low Concern
Generally recognized as safe and effective for use in sunscreens at concentrations up to 3%.
Evidence & sources
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Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Video explainer
Video explainer
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Community questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Zinc Oxide
Another sunscreen filter commonly compared in the same UV-protection conversations.
Titanium Dioxide
Another sunscreen filter commonly compared in the same UV-protection conversations.
Oxybenzone
Another sunscreen filter commonly compared in the same UV-protection conversations.
Octinoxate
Another sunscreen filter commonly compared in the same UV-protection conversations.
Octocrylene
Another sunscreen filter commonly compared in the same UV-protection conversations.
Homosalate
Another sunscreen filter commonly compared in the same UV-protection conversations.
Last updated: June 16, 2026