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Answer: Avobenzone is restricted (not fully banned) in US. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55, La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60, Coppertone Sport Sunscreen SPF 50.
TL;DR: Avobenzone is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE. Also called Parsol 1789. CAS 70356-09-1.
Other names: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Parsol 1789, BMDM
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55, La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60, Coppertone Sport Sunscreen SPF 50, Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 50 |
| CAS number | 70356-09-1 |
Avobenzone (INCI: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is a chemical UV filter that is the only FDA-approved broad-spectrum UVA-absorbing active sunscreen ingredient in the US that covers the full UVA spectrum (320–400 nm). It is inherently photounstable and must be combined with photostabilizers.
Provides broad UVA protection in US-approved sunscreen formulations. It is a critical component of broad-spectrum sunscreen products, often paired with octocrylene, ensulizole, or diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate (DEHN) as photostabilizers.
Avobenzone is effective and considered safe at approved concentrations (up to 3% in US OTC sunscreens). A 2019 FDA study found that several sunscreen actives including avobenzone were systemically absorbed above the 0.5 ng/mL threshold after repeated use, triggering a call for additional safety data. This does not indicate harm, but the FDA requested more studies under its proposed sunscreen monograph. Current evidence supports its continued safe use. No clear endocrine disruption or carcinogenicity at human exposure levels is established.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Avobenzonewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M, EU-approved only) or bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S, EU-approved only) are newer, more photostable UVA filters, but these are not FDA-approved in the US.
Current evidence supports safe use at approved concentrations. The 2019 FDA absorption study raised questions about long-term high-use scenarios, but no adverse health outcomes have been established. The FDA continues to recommend using sunscreen.
Yes. Avobenzone is photounstable and degrades on UV exposure. Modern formulations include photostabilizers (like octocrylene or diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate) to extend its protection lifetime.
Yes. It is approved as a UV filter in EU cosmetics at up to 5%, listed in Annex VI.
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