Avobenzone

Organic UV filter3–5%

A long-standing UVA filter in Australian chemical sunscreens; strong long-UVA cover but it needs stabilising.

What it is

Avobenzone absorbs long UVA rays, the rays linked with premature skin ageing, and helps a sunscreen earn its broad spectrum rating. It is invisible on skin, which suits clear, light textures.

Good for

Long UVA protectionBroad spectrum protectionNo white cast

How it works

Avobenzone peaks at about 357 nm, deep in the UVA range. After absorbing that energy it can change shape and lose protection unless a stabilising filter, such as octocrylene or bemotrizinol, takes the excess energy away. Well-stabilised formulas keep most of their UVA protection under prolonged UV exposure, which irradiation testing should confirm.

Ratings

Evidence

5/5

Decades of use, and Australia's 2025 review found it low risk.

Gentleness

4/5

Generally well tolerated, though it can sting the eyes.

Formulation difficulty

4/5

Breaks down in light and can recrystallise or stain with iron.

Cost

2/5

Widely produced commodity filter.

Popularity

4/5

Still in many Australian mass-market formulas, though losing share.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

OctinoxateSpeeds its breakdown
Zinc oxide of any grade, and uncoated or alumina-coated titanium dioxideNeeds supporting stability data

Formulations it suits

Lotion Cream SPF mist or spray Gel

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	Permitted up to 5% in ARTG-listed sunscreens, labelled as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane. The TGA's 2025 safety review found it low risk at 5% and recommended no change.
United States	Capped at 3%, and under the monograph it cannot be combined with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The FDA has also asked for more safety data before confirming it as GRASE.
Japan	Japan's cosmetic UV-filter list allows up to 10%, twice the Australian and EU maximum of 5%.
Climate	Breaks down in strong sunlight unless stabilised with octocrylene, bemotrizinol or similar, so confirm photostability by irradiation testing before selling into high-UV markets.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

3–5%0525%

Solubility

Oil-soluble

Sensitive to

LightMetal ions

3–5% gives strong long-UVA cover. Pair it with octocrylene or bemotrizinol to keep it stable, and add a chelator such as disodium EDTA.

INCI	Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Also known as	Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (Australian Approved Name), Parsol 1789 (dsm-firmenich), BMDBM
Origin	synthetic

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Oil phase. Dissolve the crystalline powder fully in good solvents to avoid recrystallisation.

Stability

Stabilise with octocrylene, bemotrizinol or similar, and confirm by irradiation testing. Add a chelator such as disodium EDTA, as iron and other metal ions cause yellow-orange stains on fabric.

Regulatory, Australia

Permitted sunscreen active, maximum 5% (Permissible Ingredients Determination No. 3 2026), and the TGA's 2025 safety review found it low risk with no change recommended. Primary sunscreens and moisturisers above SPF 15 are therapeutic goods, generally ARTG-listed (AUST L), tested to AS/NZS 2604 and labelled with approved names and set warnings.

Claims to take care with

Use only TGA-permitted indications, such as 'SPF 50+ broad spectrum very high protection', and skin-cancer, sunspot or solar keratosis claims need broad spectrum SPF 30 or more. Its UVA role supports 'broad spectrum' only when the finished product passes the test.