Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) Supplier South Africa

What Is Avobenzone?

Avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, trade name Parsol 1789) is an oil-soluble dibenzoylmethane compound and the most widely used UVA I filter in cosmetic sunscreen formulations worldwide. It provides strong UV absorption across the UVA I band (340–400 nm), which represents the deeper penetrating component of solar ultraviolet radiation responsible for photoaging, collagen breakdown, and a significant component of skin cancer risk. Avobenzone is included at up to 3% concentration in sunscreen products in South Africa, the EU, and the US, and is the preferred UVA filter in combination sunscreen systems that require true broad-spectrum protection.

Formulation Considerations and Photostabilisation

A well-known characteristic of avobenzone is its photolability — it undergoes photodegradation on UV exposure, losing its absorbance efficiency over time during sunscreen wear. To address this, modern sunscreen formulations combine avobenzone with photostabilising co-ingredients such as octocrylene (which quenches the excited avobenzone triplet state), Tinosorb S (bemotrizinol), or Tinosorb M (bisoctrizole), which transfer energy from avobenzone before degradation can occur. Properly photostabilised avobenzone-containing formulations maintain effective UVA protection throughout claimed wear time. Avobenzone is also sensitive to interactions with certain metal ion-containing ingredients — formulations should avoid mineral pigments or metal-chelating interactions that can accelerate degradation.

Regulatory Status and Supply

Avobenzone is approved for use in sunscreens and cosmetics in South Africa, across the EU (up to 3%), in the USA (up to 3% OTC), and in most global markets. Terracore Chemicals supplies avobenzone in cosmetic grade for licensed sunscreen and cosmetic manufacturers. Certificate of Analysis, SDS, and regulatory compliance documentation (REACH, INCI designation, EU Cosmetics Regulation compliance) are provided with supply.