BMDM (Avobenzone)

High-Performance UVA Filter for Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection

INCI Name: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

BMDM (Avobenzone) is the gold standard chemical UVA filter for cosmetic formulations, providing exceptional protection against long-wave radiation (UVA). As an oil-soluble, crystalline powder, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane is essential for broad-spectrum sunscreens, anti-aging day creams, and daily-wear SPF products. It effectively absorbs UVA rays to help prevent premature aging and deep skin damage, and can also protect the integrity of colors and fragrances in various cosmetic products.

Solubility Notes:

Oil-soluble. Incorporate into the oil phase; gentle heating aids dissolution. Use an effective photostabilizer (e.g., Octocrylene, Bemotrizinol, Bisoctrizole) for optimal performance and stability.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens

Critical UVA filter that works synergistically with UVB filters to deliver comprehensive sun protection in lotions, sprays, and creams.
Anti-Aging Day Creams

Integrates into daily moisturizers to help prevent UVA-driven collagen degradation and photoaging from everyday exposure.
Color Cosmetics with SPF

Delivers UVA protection in foundations, BB creams, and tinted moisturizers without compromising cosmetic elegance.
Lip Balms with SPF

Helps protect the delicate skin of the lips from UVA damage in protective treatments and balms.
Hair Care Products

Helps minimize UV-induced color fade and degradation of hair fibers in leave-in conditioners, mists, and sprays.
Product Photoprotection

Acts as a photoprotectant to help preserve light-sensitive ingredients, fragrances, and dyes from UV exposure, especially in clear or translucent packaging.

Performance & Formulation Insights for BMDM (Avobenzone)

How Avobenzone Works

Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is a chemical sunscreen agent that specializes in absorbing ultraviolet radiation in the UVA spectrum (320–400 nm), particularly the long-wave UVA-I rays associated with deep-tissue photoaging. Its molecular structure enables it to absorb the energy of UVA photons, transition to an excited state, and then release that energy safely as lower-energy thermal relaxation. By neutralizing UVA before it can impact skin cells, DNA, and structural proteins like collagen and elastin, Avobenzone is a cornerstone for effective broad-spectrum and anti-aging sun care formulations.

Formulation Guidelines for Optimal Performance

BMDM (Avobenzone) is an oil-soluble, crystalline powder that must be incorporated into the oil phase of an emulsion, typically with heating to ensure complete solubilization. A key consideration is its inherent photounstability; upon UV exposure, it can degrade and lose efficacy. To counteract this, pair Avobenzone with effective photostabilizers such as Octocrylene, Bemotrizinol, or Bisoctrizole.

Recommended usage levels are regulated regionally—commonly up to 3% in the USA and up to 5% in the European Union. Avobenzone performs well in formulas with a pH of about 5.5–7.5. Use caution with certain uncoated mineral UV filters (e.g., Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide), which may accelerate Avobenzone degradation; coated mineral grades are recommended to support stability. Proper solubilization and photostabilization are essential for clear, elegant, and durable protection.

Key Formulation Benefits

Exceptional UVA Protection: Provides strong absorption in the long-wave UVA range to help defend against photoaging.
Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Enables true broad-spectrum protection when combined with complementary UVB filters.
Cosmetically Elegant: When fully solubilized, supports clear, non-whitening formulas suitable for daily-wear SPF products.
Anti-Aging Support: Helps prevent UVA-driven extrinsic aging, making it a vital component in day creams and SPF moisturizers.
Proven Safety & Use History: Widely used and well-documented in global sun care and personal care products.
Formula Photoprotection: Helps protect light-sensitive ingredients, colors, and fragrances from UV-induced degradation in finished products.

Heading #1
Benefits	Anti-Aging & Anti-Wrinkle, Sunscreen Boosters, UV Protection & Defense
INCI Name	Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Usage Rate	1%-5%
Active Type	Specialized Treatments, UV Boosters
Solubility	Oil-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Face, Hair, Lip, Nail
Physical Form	Powder
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About BMDM (Avobenzone)

It is a UV filter that specifically absorbs radiation in the UVA spectrum, enabling true broad-spectrum protection when combined with UVB filters.

Avobenzone can degrade under UV exposure and lose efficacy. Pairing it with photostabilizers (e.g., Octocrylene, Bemotrizinol, Bisoctrizole) helps maintain protection over time.

Limits vary by region. In the United States, up to 3% is permitted; in the European Union and some other regions, up to 5% is permitted. Always confirm local regulations for the target market.

Avobenzone is oil-soluble and should be dissolved into the oil phase, typically with gentle heating for full solubilization.

Yes, but use caution. Uncoated Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide may promote Avobenzone degradation. Surface-treated (coated) mineral grades are recommended to support stability.

Its primary absorption is in the UVA range (320–400 nm). It is not specifically designed for blue light (400–500 nm) protection; use specialized actives for targeted blue light defense.

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