What does Avobenzone do for skin?

Avobenzone is a uv filter used in K-beauty for Broad UVA protection, Chemical sunscreen filter. The US-market UVA filter workhorse — and the one with the photostability problem you should know about.

Is Avobenzone safe during pregnancy?

There is limited safety data on Avobenzone during pregnancy. Exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider before use.

What skin types is Avobenzone best for?

Avobenzone is particularly well-suited to normal, combination, oily skin.

What ingredients pair well with Avobenzone?

Avobenzone layers well with octocrylene, tinosorb s. These combinations are common in K-beauty routines and have no known negative interactions.

How strong is the evidence for Avobenzone?

We rate the clinical evidence for Avobenzone at 4/5 — strong. Up to 3% in the US. Must be stabilized (usually with octocrylene).

uv-filterWell-Known

Avobenzone

Also known as: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

4/5— Strong Evidence

Medically reviewed by ChokChok · Updated April 15, 2026

The US-market UVA filter workhorse — and the one with the photostability problem you should know about.

What It Does

Broad UVA protectionChemical sunscreen filter

Deep Dive

Avobenzone is the primary UVA filter approved in US sunscreens. Major catch: it degrades significantly under UV light within 30-60 minutes unless paired with a photostabilizer (commonly octocrylene). EU sunscreens have better modern UVA filters (Tinosorb S/M, Uvinul A Plus) but those aren't FDA-approved in the US. This is the #1 reason EU/Asian sunscreens often outperform US ones for UVA protection.