Avobenzone: The UVA Filter in Chemical Sunscreens, Explained
Avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) is a chemical filter that absorbs long-wave UVA. The TGA's 2025 safety review rated it low risk at the current 5% maximum in Australia.
TL;DR
- What it is: a chemical UV filter listed as avobenzone or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.
- What it does: absorbs UVA, the light linked to skin ageing.
- The regulator view: the TGA found it low risk and recommended no extra restrictions.
- Stability: it can break down in sunlight, so good formulas stabilise it.
- Who should check: people who react to chemical filters should patch test.
- Our position: we don't currently use it, and we don't make a sunscreen.
What is avobenzone?
Avobenzone is one of the most widely used UVA filters. It shows up on labels as avobenzone or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.
It absorbs ultraviolet light and releases the energy as heat. Its strength is the long-wave UVA range, which is why it sits in so many broad-spectrum sunscreens.
Why does UVA matter?
UVB is the main driver of sunburn. UVA penetrates deeper and is associated with photoageing, which is why a broad-spectrum label matters.
If you use a retinoid or an exfoliating acid, daily UVA protection is part of a sensible routine. Our retinol guide and lactic acid guide both cover why.
What did the TGA conclude about avobenzone?
In July 2025 the TGA reviewed seven active sunscreen ingredients. Avobenzone was judged low risk and appropriate for therapeutic sunscreens.
Its margin of safety was above the threshold of 100, so significant systemic toxicity is unlikely. The current Australian maximum is 5%, and the review recommended no additional restriction.
Like oxybenzone, its endocrine data were described as inconclusive and in need of further study.
What is photostability, and why does it matter?
Photostability is how well a filter holds up under the light it is meant to block. Avobenzone is known to lose some of its strength under sun exposure unless the formula protects it.
Formulators use stabilising ingredients and filter combinations to solve this. Reading the label will not tell you how well a formula was stabilised, so the brand's testing and SPF rating matter more than the filter name.
How is avobenzone different from oxybenzone?
Both are chemical filters, but the regulator conclusions differ. The TGA rated avobenzone low risk at its 5% maximum, while it recommended restricting oxybenzone.
Avobenzone is mainly a UVA filter. Oxybenzone covers UVB and part of UVA, so the two do slightly different jobs inside a broad-spectrum formula.
How do you read a sunscreen label?
Look for broad-spectrum on the front, then check the active ingredients panel. The panel lists each filter with its percentage.
SPF tells you about UVB protection. The broad-spectrum claim tells you the formula also covers UVA, and avobenzone is one of the filters that can deliver it.
You do not need to memorise filter names. Pick a formula you like wearing, because the best sunscreen is the one you actually use every day.
Does avobenzone cause irritation?
Most people tolerate it well. A small number react to it, as with any filter, with stinging or redness.
Test a new sunscreen on your inner forearm for a few days before using it on your face. Our patch testing guide shows how.
How do you use sunscreen with avobenzone?
Apply it as the last step of your morning routine, after serums and moisturiser. Use the amount and reapplication directions on the label, because the SPF rating assumes you do.
Not sure what else belongs in your routine? Our skin quiz can help.
FAQ
Is avobenzone safe?
The TGA's 2025 review found it low risk at the current 5% maximum for Australian sunscreens.
Is avobenzone a chemical or mineral filter?
Chemical. It absorbs UV light, unlike mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Does avobenzone protect against UVB?
Mostly it covers UVA. Sunscreens add other filters so the whole formula is broad-spectrum.
Is avobenzone the same as oxybenzone?
No. They are different filters with different regulator conclusions.
Do we use avobenzone at Dope Skin Co?
No. We don't currently use it in any product.
