Active: Avobenzone 3.0% ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is an oil-soluble organic UV filter used to provide broad UVA protection in sunscreen and SPF complexion products. At 3.0%, it is at the U.S. maximum active-use level for this filter.
What does Active: Avobenzone 3.0% do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is an oil-soluble organic UV filter used to provide broad UVA protection in sunscreen and SPF complexion products. At 3.0%, it is at the U.S. maximum active-use level for this filter.
Is Active: Avobenzone 3.0% clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is approved for sunscreen use but can create friction because it may sting eyes and needs photostabilizing partners to maintain performance in sunlight. It is treated more cautiously than simple emollients or mineral filters, and some retailer standards limit or scrutinize synthetic organic UV filters.
Is Active: Avobenzone 3.0% sustainable?
This material is synthetically produced, typically from petrochemical feedstocks, rather than directly renewable plant or mineral sources. It is not a strong fit for readily biodegradable, low-persistence ingredient profiles, and sunscreen wash-off keeps aquatic exposure in the sustainability discussion.
Is Active: Avobenzone 3.0% COSMOS-approved?
This ingredient is not permitted in COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic products because it is a synthetic organic UV filter. Its fossil-derived sourcing and need for stabilization give it weak alignment with Green Chemistry preferences for renewable feedstocks, ready biodegradability, and simpler processing.
How does Active: Avobenzone 3.0% work chemically?
The molecule is an oil-soluble aromatic beta-diketone UV absorber with strong UVA coverage across roughly 320 to 400 nm and peak absorbance near 357 nm. It is photolabile on its own, so formulas commonly pair it with stabilizing UV filters, antioxidants, or film-forming systems, and pH is usually kept near the skin-friendly range to support formula stability.
Last updated 2026-05-14