The only globally available chemical sunscreen agent that provides proper UVA protection. It gives good protection around the whole UVA range with peak protection at 360 nm (nanometers). However, it quickly loses its capacity in the sunlight, which is why sunscreens must be reapplied.

Thus, the cosmetic industry is trying to solve this problem by combining Avobenzone with other UV filters to enhance its stability or by encapsulation. However, avobenzone combined with mineral sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) creates instability and is actually prohibited in the US