What is the Difference Between Oxybenzone and Avobenzone?

Oxybenzone and avobenzone are both UV filters commonly found in sunscreens. They help protect the skin from sun damage, but there are some differences between them:

• Chemical Formula: Oxybenzone has the chemical formula C14H12O3, while avobenzone has the chemical formula C20H22O3.
• Absorption: Oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin to a greater extent than avobenzone. In fact, oxybenzone has been found in breast milk, urine, and blood plasma.
• Safety Concerns: There are concerns about the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of both oxybenzone and avobenzone. Oxybenzone, in particular, has been found to act as an endocrine disruptor and may increase the risk of certain health issues. The European Commission has proposed limiting the concentration of oxybenzone in sunscreens to 2.2% due to safety concerns.
• Environmental Impact: Oxybenzone is known to be toxic to aquatic life, and several countries have banned the sale of sunscreens containing this ingredient.
• Stability: Avobenzone is reported as 'unstable' and destabilizes when exposed to light. It is often paired with other ingredients, such as mexoryl, to stabilize it. In the United States, the FDA has restricted the concentration of avobenzone in sunscreens to 3%.
• UV Protection: Oxybenzone is often used in broad-spectrum sunscreens to filter both UVB and UVA rays (specifically short UVA). Avobenzone is commonly used to block the full range of UVA rays.

Comparative Table: Oxybenzone vs Avobenzone

Here is a table comparing the differences between oxybenzone and avobenzone:

Oxybenzone and avobenzone are both chemical sunscreen ingredients that help protect the skin from UV rays. Oxybenzone is a stable compound and has been found to have potential endocrine-disrupting effects and carcinogenicity in rats. In contrast, avobenzone is not photostable and can degrade in the sun, producing free radicals. However, it can be stabilized when formulated with other ingredients. Both chemicals have been studied for their potential health concerns, and the European Commission has proposed limiting their concentrations in sunscreens.