Ingredient guide ›

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

The UVA shield.

What it does

Avobenzone, a sunscreen filter. It absorbs UVA rays from the sun.

Good to know

A 2020 FDA trial found it gets absorbed into the blood. The researchers said this doesn't mean it's unsafe, and people shouldn't stop using sunscreen.

Often found in: Sunscreens, Lip products

Around the world

• United States: Allowed in sunscreens up to 3%. Sunscreens are over-the-counter drugs in the US. Source
• EU and UK: Max 5% as a UV filter. Source
• Canada: In sunscreen it's regulated as a drug, not a cosmetic. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Effect of sunscreen application on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients (JAMA, 2020) (Independent)