Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Avobenzone-CAS 70356-09-1

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Avobenzone-CAS 70356-09-1

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, commonly known as Avobenzone, is the most widely used UVA sunscreen filter in the world with the INCI name BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE and CAS number 70356-09-1. This white to pale yellow crystalline powder provides broad-spectrum UVA protection across the entire UVA I and UVA II range (320–400 nm), with a maximum absorption peak at approximately 357 nm. As a lipophilic chemical sunscreen, Avobenzone is highly valued for its ability to provide PA++++ level UVA protection, helping prevent skin photoaging, wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation caused by UVA radiation. It is approved for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5% in China, the EU, and many other regions, making it the gold standard UVA filter in the sun care industry. While Avobenzone has moderate photostability when used alone, its stability can be significantly improved by formulating with photostabilizers like Octocrylene, Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, or other stabilizing systems. It is almost always combined with UVB filters to create complete broad-spectrum sun protection products.

Key Benefits

• Full spectrum UVA protection: Covers both UVA I and UVA II (320–400 nm)

• High UVA efficacy: Provides PA++++ level protection at appropriate concentrations

• Gold standard UVA filter: The most widely used UVA sunscreen worldwide

• Anti-photoaging: Helps prevent wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation from UVA damage

• Globally approved: Meets China, EU, US, Japan and major market regulatory standards

• Oil soluble: Easy to incorporate into oil-based and emulsion formulations

• Synergistic with UVB filters: Works with UVB sunscreens for complete broad-spectrum protection

• SPF boosting: Enhances overall SPF when combined with UVB filters

• Versatile applications: Suitable for all sun care and color cosmetic products

• Proven safety: Decades of safe use with extensive toxicological data

Applications

• Sunscreen lotions and creams: Recommended usage 1%–5%

• Sunscreen sprays and mists: Recommended usage 1%–4%

• BB creams and CC creams: Recommended usage 0.5%–3%

• Foundations and liquid foundations: Recommended usage 0.5%–3%

• Pressed powders and loose powders: Recommended usage 0.5%–2%

• Day creams and moisturizers with SPF: Recommended usage 0.5%–3%

• Lip balms and lipsticks with SPF: Recommended usage 0.5%–2%

• Hair care products with UV protection: Recommended usage 0.5%–2%

• Body lotions with sun protection: Recommended usage 1%–4%

• After-sun products with UV protection: Recommended usage 0.5%–2%

Certificate Of Analysis (COA)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Q1: Is Avobenzone photostable? Why does it need stabilizers?

A: Avobenzone has moderate photostability when used alone. Under prolonged UV exposure, it can undergo photodegradation, which reduces its UVA protection efficacy over time. This is why it is almost always formulated with photostabilizers. The most common stabilizers include Octocrylene, Tinosorb S (Bemotrizinol), Tinosorb M (Bisoctrizole), Oxybenzone, or proprietary stabilizing systems. When properly stabilized, Avobenzone provides long-lasting, consistent UVA protection throughout the day. The ratio of stabilizer to Avobenzone is typically 2:1 or higher for optimal photostability.

Q2: What is the difference between Avobenzone and other UVA filters like Tinosorb S or Zinc Oxide?

A: Avobenzone is a purely organic chemical UVA filter that provides excellent UVA I protection and is the most widely used UVA filter globally. Tinosorb S (Bemotrizinol) is a newer organic filter that provides both UVA and UVB protection with excellent photostability, but it is more expensive and not approved in all markets. Zinc Oxide is a physical/mineral filter that provides broad-spectrum protection but can leave a white cast and may be less cosmetically elegant. Avobenzone offers the best balance of UVA efficacy, cost-effectiveness, global regulatory approval, and cosmetic elegance, which is why it remains the industry standard for UVA protection.

Q3: How do I use Avobenzone in formulations? Are there any compatibility issues?

A: Avobenzone is oil-soluble and should be added to the oil phase of formulations. It dissolves best in oils, esters, and organic solvents like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. It can be added during the heating phase (70–80°C) of emulsion manufacturing. Important compatibility notes: Avobenzone is incompatible with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (like DMDM Hydantoin) which can cause discoloration and degradation. It may also form complexes with zinc oxide leading to precipitation and reduced efficacy. It works well with most UVB filters like Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, and Octisalate. Always conduct compatibility testing and SPF/PA testing in your specific formulation.

Q4: What is the shelf life and are there any storage or stability concerns?

A: Shelf life is 24 months in original sealed, light-protected packaging. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat, and air exposure. Avobenzone is sensitive to light and heat, which can cause degradation and discoloration over time. It should be stored in amber or opaque containers. In formulations, its stability depends on the presence of photostabilizers and other formulation components. Always conduct accelerated stability testing, photostability testing, and SPF/PA efficacy testing in your specific formulation to ensure shelf life performance and regulatory compliance.

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