Avobenzone — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: AVOBENZONE
Also known as: Parsol 1789
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 70356-09-1
- Category
- uv filter
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- No
- Max Concentration
- 3% (US), 5% (EU)
- Found In
- sunscreen
Is Avobenzone safe in cosmetics?
Avobenzone is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Safer alternatives include Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide. Commonly found in sunscreen.
What is Avobenzone?
Best UVA chemical filter available in the US. Degrades in sunlight — needs stabilizers.
Allergy & Safety Information
Avobenzone is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About UV Filter / Sunscreen Agent Ingredients
UV filters absorb or reflect ultraviolet radiation to protect skin from UV-induced damage. They fall into two categories: chemical filters (which absorb UV and convert it to heat) and mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, which physically scatter UV). Both can cause reactions in sensitised individuals, though mineral filters have lower overall allergenicity.
Relevance for Avobenzone: The most allergenic chemical UV filters include oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octocrylene, and avobenzone. If you react to chemical sunscreens, switching to pure mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide only) is usually the safest alternative.
How to Identify Avobenzone in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Avobenzone, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Sunscreen. These product categories are the most common sources of Avobenzone exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Avobenzone? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Avobenzone and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avobenzone safe for sensitive skin?
Avobenzone may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Avobenzone?
Avobenzone is commonly found in sunscreen.
What does Avobenzone do in cosmetics?
Avobenzone functions as a uv_filter in formulations.
Related Guides
Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Mineral vs chemical UV filters — which are safest?
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Avobenzone causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
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