Avobenzone is a UV filter in sunscreens used to block harmful UV rays. This chemical absorbs ultraviolet lights over large wavelengths, therefore protecting the skin from the sun’s harm [1]. It is also the most commonly used UV filter ingredient in sunscreens.
What Products Have Avobenzone In Them?
As a result of its function, avobenzone is a key ingredient in products with SPF that have the purpose of protecting people from harmful UV rays.
Avobenzone can be found in:
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Sunscreens
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SPF lip balms
Is Avobenzone Safe?
Avobenzone is not safe and is listed by Million Marker as one of the chemicals to avoid. This chemical is both an endocrine disrupter and a metabolic disrupting obesogen. Avobenzone toxicity can consequently interfere with hormonal functions and also work as carcinogens. As metabolic disrupting obesogens, they can increase the risk of chronic diseases as well as lead to obesity [2].
Health Impacts of Avobenzone Products
Due to the toxicity of avobenzone, we recommend avoiding any products that contain it.
Avobenzone:
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Can mess with hormonal function as an endocrine disruptor.
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Can harm the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
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Increases risk of obesity [3].
Recommended Alternatives to Avobenzone
We have various Approved Sunscreens ready for you to browse.
Some brands include:
You can find our recommended personal care products on our Approved Products list!
How to Avoid Avobenzone
To avoid avobenzone, it is important to know what ingredients to look out for.
Keep an eye out for:
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70356-09-1
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70356-09-1
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Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
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1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione
You can also purchase our test kit and learn about your harmful chemical exposures.
Resources
[1] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Avobenzone
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7326440/
[3] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-019-02462-1
