Avobenzone Usp
Description
Oil-soluble UVA1 UV filter; primary UVA absorber in US-market sunscreens; peak absorption ~357 nm; photounstable — undergoes keto-enol tautomerization and Norrish type I/II photocleavage upon UV absorption; requires co-formulation with a photostabilizer for sustained UVA protection
Function
Properties
Regulatory Status
Broad-spectrum UVA filter (340-400nm) permitted at max 5% in EU (Annex VI Entry 8) and 3% in US; classified not GRAS pending additional systemic data but not considered unsafe; margin of safety >100 at maximum permitted concentrations with no genotoxicity or endocrine disruption concerns; photostability requires co-formulation with stabilizers.
FDA OTC monograph active ingredient. Max concentration 3% in US. Classified NOT GRAS per September 27, 2021 proposed administrative order (86 FR 53546) due to systemic absorption exceeding 0.5 ng/mL threshold. FDA stated this does NOT mean the ingredient is unsafe — products remain on market and recommended for continued use. Additional nonclinical toxicology data (carcinogenicity, reproductive) required by FDA.
Ratings
Identifiers
No registry identifiers available for this ingredient.