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Cosmetics Ingredients
The material selection platform
Cosmetics Ingredients

BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE

CAS Number 70356-09-1
Chem/IUPAC Name: 1-[4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)phenyl]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione
EINECS/ELINCS No: 274-581-6
COSING REF No: 31713
BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane is also known as Avobenzone. It is a derivative of dibenzoyl methane. A wider range of ultraviolet light wavelengths can be absorbed by avobenzone. It is present in a lot of broad-range sunscreens that are commercially available. It functions as a sunblock. A topical UV protector with a broad spectrum, avobenzone blocks UVA I, UVA II, and UVB wavelengths, reducing the damage that UV rays can do to the skin.

What is BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE used for?

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane is used in the creation of sun protection products. When this ingredient is used in sun protection products in the US, it will be listed on the label as Avobenzone. When applied to the skin, avobenzone blocks UV rays. By absorbing UV rays, it can also be used to shield cosmetics and personal care items from deterioration.

It is globally the only available chemical sunscreen that provides proper UV-A protection. This makes Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane the gold standard of UV-A protection. It is approved for use in sun care preparations at a maximum concentration of 3% in America and a maximum of 5% in Europe.

Origin

The compound is made by reacting 4-methoxyacetophenone in toluene with 4-tert-butylbenzoic methyl ester in the presence of sodium amide via Claisen condensation (from 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid by esterification with methanol).

What does BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE do in a formulation?

  • Uv absorber
  • Uv filter

Safety profile

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the safety of Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane and approved its use as an active ingredient in Over-the-Counter (OTC) sunscreen drug products at concentrations up to 3%. When used in OTC sunscreen products, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane is called Avobenzone. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of this ingredient because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.

Some studies suggest that some sunscreen ingredients, including Avobenzone, may have acted like the hormone, estrogen. Therefore, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) was asked to consider if UV filters as used in sunscreen products have estrogenic effects which have the potential to affect human health. The SCCNFP concluded that UV filters used in sunscreen products allowed in the European market have no estrogenic effects that could potentially affect human health.

BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE Alternatives

Technical profile

Property Values
Melting Point 83.5°C
Solubility Insoluble in water
Soluble in isopropanol, decyl oleate, capric/caprylic triglyceride, castor oil
170
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