At a glance
- CAS number
- 70356-09-1
- INCI name
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
- Function
- uv_filter, uva absorber
- Typical use level
- 1%–3%
- Solubility
- oil
CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.
Also known as
Avobenzone Parsol 1789 Eusolex 9020 Neo Heliopan 357 4-tert-Butyl-4-methoxydibenzoylmethane
Compatibility
Works well with:
Octocrylene Homosalate Ethylhexyl Salicylate Bisoctrizole Diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Use caution with:
Octinoxate Titanium Dioxide Zinc Oxide
Avobenzone is photounstable and degrades rapidly under UV exposure when used alone; it must be paired with photostabilizers such as Octocrylene or Diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) to maintain efficacy. It forms a eutectic mixture with Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) that can liquefy solid components and reduce SPF performance, making that combination problematic in certain formulas. Mineral filters like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide can accelerate its photodegradation, requiring additional photostabilizer loading when combined.
Formulation notes
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) is the most widely used organic UVA filter globally, absorbing strongly across the UVA spectrum (peak ~360 nm) to protect skin from UVA-induced photoaging and DNA damage. It is permitted at up to 3% in the US (FDA OTC monograph) and up to 5% in the EU, and is a key active in broad-spectrum sunscreen formulations. Because it undergoes photoisomerization and loses absorbance with UV exposure, photostabilization strategies are essential for maintaining label SPF and UVA protection throughout the product's in-use period.
Related ingredients
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUv Filter
- Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUv Filter
- Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUv Filter
- Ferulic AcidAntioxidant