Avobenzone

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Ultraviolet light filter
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreen

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AVOBENZONE ?

Avobenzone has been shown in studies to protect from ultraviolet light in the range greater than 360 nm. Thus it reduces the effects of ultraviolet light in causing photoaging, photodermatoses and photocarcinogenesis.

WHAT IS AVOBENZONE ?

Avobenzone is an organic, ultraviolet-A filtering molecule included in multiple sunscreens. Although it is photolabile, requiring stabilization with a weak UVB filter, it can absorb UVA radiation in the range of 320 nm–420 nm.

IS AVOBENZONE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Avobenzone is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There is minimal data on contraindications for the topical application of avobenzone. Although rare, patients with an allergy to avobenzone, its components, or its byproducts should avoid use of avobenzone.

Sources:

Beasley, D. G., & Meyer, T. A. (2010). Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen products. American journal of clinical dermatology, 11, 413-421.

Holt EL, Rodrigues NDN, Cebrián J, Stavros VG. Determining the photostability of avobenzone in sunscreen formulation models using ultrafast spectroscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2021;23(42):24439-24448. Published 2021 Nov 3.

Vallejo, J. J., Mesa, M., & Gallardo, C. (2011). Evaluation of the avobenzone photostability in solvents used in cosmetic formulations. Vitae, 18(1), 63-71.

Nishad Sathe, MD

Author

Nishad Sathe is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine/Dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota