An organic sunscreen filter primarily used for UVA absorption.
Sources: 1, 2Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
What it does
Contributes UVA protection within a tested sunscreen; it does not supply a complete SPF or broad-spectrum rating on its own.
Sources: 1, 2Good for
- UVA protection in tested sunscreens
How to use it
Apply and reapply the finished sunscreen according to its label. Protection depends on sufficient application and other sun-protection measures.
Sources: 1, 2Who should be careful
Stop a sunscreen that causes a rash and seek an alternative. Do not mix raw UV filters into skincare or infer protection from the ingredient list.
Sources: 1, 2Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Its chromophore absorbs ultraviolet radiation. Photostability depends on the filter combination and formula.
Sources: 1, 2Potential adverse effects
Some users experience irritation, contact allergy or eye stinging; select a tolerated finished sunscreen rather than abandoning sun protection.
Sources: 1, 2Formulation considerations
Requires appropriate stabilization and compatible co-filters. Judge protection from the finished product's validated label.
Sources: 1, 2Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1, 2Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
Names on ingredient lists
butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 51040 | PubChem compound 51040: chemical identity |
| molecular formula | C20H22O3 | PubChem compound 51040: chemical identity |
| molecular weight | 310.4 g/mol | PubChem compound 51040: chemical identity |
| iupac name | 1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione | PubChem compound 51040: chemical identity |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (3)
Scientific sources
- TGA: Safety review of seven active sunscreen ingredientsregulatory safety review
- FDA: Sunscreen use, labeling and protectionregulatory guidance
- PubChem compound 51040: chemical identitychemical identity
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