Avobenzone
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane · Parsol 1789
What it is
The primary broad-spectrum UVA filter (UVA I range) in US sunscreens (CAS 70356-09-1). Photounstable without stabilizers; typically paired with octocrylene.
In this product: UVA UV filter, the ingredient actually protecting you from deep UVA.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Dermal absorption confirmed systemic (4.0–7.1 ng/mL plasma in FDA JAMA RCT, day 1). Systemic levels exceed the 0.5 ng/mL FDA threshold, additional safety data have been requested, but no specific harm finding has resulted from available evidence.
EUROPEAN UNION
Permitted UV filter in EU Cosmetics Regulation. No SCCS endocrine-based restriction found.
UNITED STATES
Permitted at up to 3% under FDA OTC Sunscreen monograph. No restriction.
The evidence
2020 FDA-sponsored JAMA RCT: avobenzone plasma concentrations 3.3–7.1 ng/mL on day 1 after single application. Systemic levels exceed FDA's 0.5 ng/mL threshold, but no specific harm finding has followed from available evidence.
human · 2020 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.