Monk Fruit Extract vs Avobenzone: which is worse?

What is Monk Fruit Extract?

Monk fruit extract is derived from the fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii, a melon native to southern China. Its sweetness (150–250 times that of sucrose) comes from mogrosides, particularly mogroside V, rather than simple sugars. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The FDA granted GRAS status in 2010.

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.

Documented risks

Monk Fruit Extract: Currently considered safe with no significant adverse effects reported in human studies. Animal studies have shown mogrosides to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possible anti-diabetic properties. No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity has been identified. Due to its relatively recent introduction as a food additive in Western markets, long-term human safety data are more limited compared to older sweeteners. Overall, the safety profile is favorable.

Avobenzone: 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.