zinc oxide + avobenzone

Zinc oxide and avobenzone are active ingredients used in sunscreens to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Zinc oxide is an inorganic mineral that provides broad-spectrum protection by reflecting and scattering both UVA and UVB rays. Avobenzone is an organic compound that specifically absorbs UVA radiation, the primary cause of long-term skin damage and photoaging. In a Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by the University of California, Davis (NCT01410227), these agents were studied to quantify their effectiveness in reducing the production of singlet oxygen—a reactive oxygen species—in human skin following UVA exposure. This research is critical for understanding how different sunscreen filters mitigate oxidative stress and prevent sun-induced skin damage.

Other names

Zinc OxideAvobenzoneButyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneParsol 1789Parsol1789Parsol-1789