Ingredient glossary
Avobenzone
On your shelf ✓What Avobenzone does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane · Also: BMBM
In short: Avobenzone delivers uva1 protection, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Uva1 protection
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
Only as good as the sunscreen it lives in.
As a single filter, Avobenzone only matters as part of a finished sunscreen you actually reapply. The best SPF is the one that feels good enough to wear every morning.
— Maya
What it does
- uva1 protection
strong evidencePhotostability studies show avobenzone alone degrades significantly under UV but remains stable when combined with filters like Tinosorb S or octocrylene.
On a label: usually effective at 2-3%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- all
Approach with care
- very sensitive
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveTake care
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- tinosorb s
- octocrylene
- mineral filters
Avobenzone, answered
Is Avobenzone safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. Avobenzone is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid Avobenzone?
Approach Avobenzone with care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive. Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of Avobenzone actually works?
Avobenzone tends to do its job in the 2 to 3% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
During pregnancy
Treat Avobenzone as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
Compare Avobenzone with
Can you mix Avobenzone with
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