Is Avobenzone Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Avobenzone is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
INCI name BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE. Also called Parsol 1789. CAS 70356-09-1.
Other names: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Parsol 1789, BMDM
Is Avobenzone banned in the EU?
| 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 |
What is Avobenzone?
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.
Why is Avobenzone used in personal-care products?
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.
Is Avobenzone dangerous? Documented risks
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.
Products that may contain Avobenzone
- Coppertone Kids SPF 50 Sunscreen SprayCoppertone
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60La Roche-Posay
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 100Neutrogena
- Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 Sunscreen LotionCoppertone
- Banana Boat Ultra Sport SPF 50+ Sunscreen LotionBanana Boat
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 100La Roche-Posay
- Banana Boat Kids SPF 50+ Sunscreen StickBanana Boat
- Banana Boat Simply Protect SPF 50+ Sunscreen LotionBanana Boat
How to avoid Avobenzone: safer alternatives
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.
Frequently asked questions about Avobenzone
Is avobenzone safe?
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.
Does avobenzone degrade in sunlight?
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.
Is avobenzone approved in the EU?
Yes. It is approved as a UV filter in EU cosmetics at up to 5%, listed in Annex VI.
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Sources
- FDA Sunscreen Drug Products for OTC Use Proposed Rule — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- EWG Skin Deep: Avobenzone — Environmental Working Group
- Sunscreen Safety in Dermatologic Practice — PubMed/NCBI
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.