Avobenzone is an oil-soluble ingredient used in sunscreen products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays.Avobenzone was patented in 1973 and was approved in the EU in 1978. Its use is approved worldwide.
Pure avobenzone is a whitish to yellowish crystalline powder with a weak odor, dissolving in isopropanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, decyl oleate, capric acid/caprylic, triglycerides and other oils. It is not soluble in water.

Avobenzone absorbs both UV-(380-315 nm that is associated with long term skin damage) and UV-B (315-280 nm that causes sunburn) rays. Avobenzone is known as one of the most effective sunscreen ingredients.