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The Daily Insight

Is there another name for avobenzone?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on February 26, 2026

Avobenzone (trade names Parsol 1789, Milestab 1789, Eusolex 9020, Escalol 517, Neo Heliopan 357 and others, INCI Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is an oil-soluble ingredient used in sunscreen products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays.

Is avobenzone banned in Europe?

While this ingredient has been in European circulation since 1993, the FDA didn’t approve this ingredient for L’Oréal until 2006. Medically, it’s been approved for adults and children over 6 months of age. Look for it with: Avobenzone.

What is the active ingredient in sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. These sunscreens tend to be easier to rub into your skin without leaving a white residue.

Is avobenzone a mineral sunscreen?

As we explained in our blog post “Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal” there are two proven-effective UVA blockers, one chemical and one mineral (Avobenzone and Zinc Oxide). Avobenzone was approved by the FDA in 1988 for its ability to absorb UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer.

What is avobenzone sunscreen?

Avobenzone was introduced in the 1990s and is a common chemical sunscreen. Unlike other chemical sunscreens that just protect from the sunburn-causing UVB rays, avobenzone also protects from UVA rays, the rays that cause premature aging and skin cancer. This chemical is given a two rating by the EWG.

Is avobenzone different than benzene?

In petroleum-industry workers, there’s been a link between chronic benzene exposure and increased risk of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells. “But it does not mean that everyone exposed to it will get cancer,” says Li.

Is avobenzone safe for skin?

There are a number of articles in the literature about Octocrylene – the most common avobenzone stabilizer chemical – causing skin irritation, including rashes and acne. Avobenzone degrades when it is exposed to the sun which results in harmful free radicals being released into the body.

Is avobenzone a chemical sunscreen?

Avobenzone was introduced in the 1990s and is a common chemical sunscreen. Unlike other chemical sunscreens that just protect from the sunburn-causing UVB rays, avobenzone also protects from UVA rays, the rays that cause premature aging and skin cancer.

What is tinted sunscreen?

Tinted sunscreens combine broad-spectrum mineral UV filters, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, with added pigments — pigmentary titanium dioxides and iron oxides — that create the visible, skin-tone color that can reflect away visible light.

Is avobenzone mineral based?

Avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen agent that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. An alternative to harmful chemical sunscreens, is to use mineral and/or physical sunscreens instead. “Mineral sunscreens are made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide…

What’s wrong with sunscreens containing avobenzone?

What’s Wrong With Sunscreens Containing Avobenzone? Avobenzone is the main ingredient in “active chemical” sunscreens Avobenzone breaks down in sunlight in 30 minutes, so manufacturers use questionable “stabilizing” chemicals such as octocrylene, homosalate, or octisalate

What is avobenzone and what is it used for?

Avobenzone is also widely used in other cosmetic and skin care products to keep the other ingredients stable. In addition to being used in sunscreen, this chemical is often used in creams, sprays, and even lip balms.

Is avobenzone oil soluble or water soluble?

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,…

Can avobenzone cause hormone imbalance?

There is no current evidence to suggest this occurs with avobenzone. Some studies have indicated this effect in other chemical sunscreens. While this may seem scary, it is unlikely that the amount of sunscreen used over a lifetime would add up to a significant enough dose to disrupt hormones.