Methoxydibenzoylmethane, commonly known as avobenzone, is a chemical sunscreen agent that primarily absorbs UVA radiation. It is widely used in sunscreens and daily cosmetic products to provide broad-spectrum photoprotection, often combined with stabilizing agents and other filters.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic) | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or rash at application site reported in some sensitive individuals. |
| Photoallergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reaction triggered by sun exposure after application; avobenzone is among the more frequently implicated sunscreen photoallergens in patch/photopatch testing. |
| Stinging or burning sensation | Uncommon | Transient discomfort, especially around the eyes or on broken skin. |
| Degradation-related reduced efficacy | Common | Avobenzone is photounstable and degrades under UV exposure unless stabilized, which is a formulation concern rather than a direct skin reaction. |
| Anaphylaxis or severe systemic allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated case reports only. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.