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The facts: Avobenzone is restricted in US, though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Avobenzone on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. 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 and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | 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 |
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 Avobenzone with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Yes. Avobenzone is restricted in US. The FDA still allows it in the US.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55, La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60, Coppertone Sport Sunscreen SPF 50, Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 50. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Avobenzone.
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. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Avobenzone or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.
Audited products that don't contain Avobenzone.
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