Is Avobenzone Safe? The Truth About the Most Common UVA Filter

The Short Answer

Proceed with caution. Avobenzone is currently the only globally available chemical sunscreen ingredient in the US that effectively blocks UVA rays (the aging rays). However, it is highly unstable, breaking down rapidly in sunlight unless paired with other chemicals.

More concerning is its interaction with water: in chlorinated pools, Avobenzone reacts to create toxic byproducts linked to liver and kidney damage. While it is safer than the hormone-disrupting Is Oxybenzone Safe|Oxybenzone, it is not reef-safe and is effectively banned in strict jurisdictions like Maui and the US Virgin Islands.

Why This Matters

Avobenzone poses a unique dilemma: it is the primary defender against UVA rays in American chemical sunscreens, but it creates its own safety problems.

It falls apart in the sun.

Ironically for a sunscreen ingredient, Avobenzone hates the sun. In its pure form, it can lose 50% to 90% of its filtering capability within one hour of light exposure. To fix this, manufacturers mix it with stabilizers like Octocrylene, which carries its own toxicity concerns. If you use an Avobenzone sunscreen that has expired or been stored improperly, you may be getting zero UVA protection.

It turns toxic in pools.

This is the biggest red flag. Research shows that when Avobenzone meets chlorine and UV light, it transforms into hazardous compounds, including chlorinated phenols and acetophenones. If you are swimming in a pool, a chemical sunscreen containing Avobenzone is one of the worst choices you can make for your body.

It is "Under Review" by the FDA.

As of 2026, the FDA still does not list Avobenzone as GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). They have requested more data on its systemic absorption and potential effects on the endocrine system. While industry-backed studies argue it is safe, the regulatory "green light" is missing.

What's Actually In [Product]

Most "broad spectrum" chemical sunscreens in the US rely on Avobenzone for the UVA portion of protection.

• Avobenzone (3%) — The active UVA filter. Absorbs into the bloodstream and degrades in light.
• Homosalate (10-15%) — Often added to stabilize Avobenzone. A known endocrine disruptor that accumulates in the body. Is Homosalate Endocrine Disruptor
• Octocrylene — Another stabilizer used to keep Avobenzone from breaking down. It is a skin allergen and harmful to marine life.
• Fragrance — Frequently added to mask the chemical smell, leading to higher rates of skin irritation.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Zinc Oxide — The only ingredient that blocks UVA rays as effectively as Avobenzone without degrading or absorbing into the blood. Is Zinc Oxide Safe
• "Mineral Only" Label — Ensures the product relies on physical blockers rather than unstable chemical reactions.
• Bemotrizinol (Future) — Keep an eye out for this ingredient. It is a photostable chemical filter widely used in Europe and expected to gain FDA approval around mid-2026.

Red Flags:

• "Reef Friendly" (without certification) — Many Avobenzone sunscreens claim to be "reef friendly" just because they removed Oxybenzone. They are not safe for strict reef zones like Maui. Reef Safe Regulated
• Swimming Pool Use — If the label says Avobenzone, keep it out of the pool to avoid creating toxic byproducts in the water.

The Best Options

If you need reliable UVA protection without the chemical instability, mineral options are superior.

The Bottom Line

1. Skip it for the pool. The reaction with chlorine is a documented health risk. Use mineral sunscreen or protective clothing instead.

2. Check the "Inactive" ingredients. Avobenzone is rarely alone. It's almost always paired with Octocrylene or Homosalate, which are endocrine disruptors.

3. Switch to Zinc. For now, Zinc Oxide is the only FDA-approved ingredient that provides stable, broad-spectrum protection without safety caveats.

FAQ

Is Avobenzone reef safe?

No. While it is not banned in Hawaii statewide (unlike Oxybenzone), it is banned in Maui and the US Virgin Islands, which have strict "mineral-only" laws. It has been detected in waterways and can harm coral resilience. What Sunscreen Ingredients Harm Coral

Does Avobenzone cause cancer?

There is no direct evidence it causes cancer. However, its instability means it can release free radicals in the skin if not properly stabilized, which theoretically contributes to skin aging and damage.

Is Avobenzone safe for pregnancy?

It depends. The FDA has requested more data on its absorption rates. Because it enters the bloodstream, most dermatologists recommend sticking to Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide during pregnancy to be safe. Best Sunscreen Babies

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