Avobenzone
Also known as: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
The US-market UVA filter workhorse โ and the one with the photostability problem you should know about.
What It Does
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.
Best For
Pairs Well With
Effective Concentration
Up to 3% in the US. Must be stabilized (usually with octocrylene).




