We are smack dab in the middle of summer and the heat may or may not be frying your absolute brains out. What’s important to remember while the sun is shining it’s brightest is to apply your sunscreen! And one of the most popular active ingredients in sunscreen is avobenzone.
Not to sound too scientific (I’m about to go geek-tastic on you), avobenzone is a synthetic dibenzoylmethane derivative. It can also be known as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane or Parsol 1789. If you, like me, just had your head explode trying to read out those chemicals, let me simplify it. Avobenzone is considered a chemical sunscreen. It gets that designation because it works by absorbing (rather than blocking) the entire range of UVA rays and converting them into a form of infrared radiation that is much less damaging to you and your skin. It is one of the few sunscreen agents to provide a comprehensive protection against UV rays and yes, it is considered a broad-spectrum protectant.
In addition to being found in sunscreen, you may also find it in some of your cosmetics as it also helps with stabilization. It protects against the deterioration of ingredients when exposed to sunlight. So, it’s basically like a sunscreen for your cosmetics as well! You will most likely find it in your creams, sprays, and lip balms.
The irony, however, is that avobenzone itself can significantly degrade in light which has the domino effect of decreasing its ability to offer sun protection. This is combated by adding photo-stabilizers such as octocrylene to formulations. However, it is important to note that this degradation is the number one reason why you are encouraged to buy new sunscreen every year!
While avobenzone by itself is considered non-irritating and non-toxic to the skin, pairing it with photo-stabilizers can unfortunately have some negative effects, including increased risk for irritation and low-level toxicity. Furthermore, studies have shown that avobenzone can be absorbed into the skin and secreted into urine. As a result, the use of avobenzone is not recommended for usage on children under six and pregnant women.
Some further cautions include knowing that avobenzone is not waterproof! So, if you are having a particularly sweaty day or decide to jump in the pool you will need to reapply! It should be reapplied every two to three hours.
Although allergic reactions with this ingredient are rare, they can happen. If your skin becomes red, swollen or develops hives, step away from avobenzone usage immediately. In addition, do not apply this on open abrasions or irritated skin unless you want to make the problem worse. We are talking increased inflammation, people! Also, as a general rule, don’t put this in eyes or mouth. I know it sounds obvious, but it’s a warning, nevertheless.
The typical usage rate tends to be in the 3% to 5% range for product formulations. The ingredient itself sells for about $15 per 3.5 oz.
I know I just laid a lot of negatives at the end of this article, but please keep in mind that avobenzone is one of the best sun protectants on the market. Using it safely and following the guidelines will help ensure you escape the summer burn free and (hopefully!) care free!
Products that include Avobenzone:
Coppertone Sport Lotion SPF 50
Wow ok what an informative post! I’ve been using a chemical sunscreen all my life but who knew that this key ingredient is not pregnancy-safe! I’m pregnant right now, do you recommend I should go for a mineral sunscreen then? And do you have any affordable suggestions?
I too have used chemical sunscreens pretty much all my life! That being said, mineral/physical sunscreens are the ones recommended for pregnancy. So zinc and titanium oxide. If possible, make sure they use non-nano particles in their mineral sunscreens!
I’d also make sure any sunscreen used is broad spectrum and has at least an SPF 30.
That being said, I’m not a medical doctor and should say, ask your doctor if you are concerned!
Possible sunscreens you could look into include Thinkbaby. They provide high spf, use zinc oxide, and are available at target for $12.99
Neutrogena also has a sheer zinc line of sun protectants that runs about $9. I have tried this and like it—and my mother who is very sensitive to sunscreens also loves it.
Earth Mama also caters to mineral sunscreen and they run at about $13.99
I hope that was somewhat helpful, and as always, ask the doc if you have questions 🙂
ugh we don’t have Target in Canada, but I think I’ll check out Neutrogena, I’ve bought sunscreens from them before! Thank you so much for your detailed reply 🙂
Oh that’s a bummer that there is no Target! Hopefully the Neutrogena brand is a good fit! 🙂
Wow ok what an informative post! I’ve been using a chemical sunscreen all my life but who knew that this key ingredient is not pregnancy-safe! I’m pregnant right now, do you recommend I should go for a mineral sunscreen then? And do you have any affordable suggestions?
I too have used chemical sunscreens pretty much all my life! That being said, mineral/physical sunscreens are the ones recommended for pregnancy. So zinc and titanium oxide. If possible, make sure they use non-nano particles in their mineral sunscreens!
I’d also make sure any sunscreen used is broad spectrum and has at least an SPF 30.
That being said, I’m not a medical doctor and should say, ask your doctor if you are concerned!
Possible sunscreens you could look into include Thinkbaby. They provide high spf, use zinc oxide, and are available at target for $12.99
Neutrogena also has a sheer zinc line of sun protectants that runs about $9. I have tried this and like it—and my mother who is very sensitive to sunscreens also loves it.
Earth Mama also caters to mineral sunscreen and they run at about $13.99
I hope that was somewhat helpful, and as always, ask the doc if you have questions 🙂
ugh we don’t have Target in Canada, but I think I’ll check out Neutrogena, I’ve bought sunscreens from them before! Thank you so much for your detailed reply 🙂
Oh that’s a bummer that there is no Target! Hopefully the Neutrogena brand is a good fit! 🙂