- What it can be used for
- Filters UV light (sunscreen), protects the product from UV light and protects the product from light (the functions the EU ingredient database, CosIng, lists for it; a product may use it for any of them)
- CAS number
- 70356-09-1
Why it’s flagged
Under EU evaluation as an endocrine disruptor, or identified as one by a national authority (ED Lists II and III).
- EU ED List II: under evaluation as an endocrine disruptor. Source: EU endocrine disruptor lists (edlists.org)
EU ED List II: under evaluation as an endocrine disruptor in an EU process. List III: identified as one by a national authority in the EU.
What the research says
- Eight of nine cosmetic UV filters tested were estrogenic in human breast-cancer cells, and six of nine increased uterine weight in immature rats; avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) was the one inactive in every assay. Moderate evidence. Schlumpf 2004
Each finding shows its evidence grade. See every graded fact or how we grade.
What this page can’t tell you
These lists describe what a substance can do, its hazard. The risk from one product depends on how much is in it and how you use it, and the label doesn’t say how much.
Not being on a list doesn’t make an ingredient safe. It may never have been assessed.
Check your products
Check a whole labelProducts that list itEWG Skin DeepShop fragrance-free
“Products that list it” opens Open Beauty Facts, a free database anyone can edit.
Flagged the same way
Official lists checked September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.