Avobenzone vs. Benzene — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UV radiation, while benzene is a volatile organic compound known for its carcinogenic properties.
Difference Between Avobenzone and Benzene
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Avobenzone is a synthetic compound often found in sunscreen products. Its main function is to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, particularly UVA rays, which are known to cause skin aging and contribute to skin cancer. It acts by converting these rays into a less harmful form of energy, thereby protecting the skin from damage.
Benzene is a simple aromatic hydrocarbon with a sweet odor, known to be a natural constituent of crude oil and a primary industrial chemical used to make other chemicals and various plastics. It is a known carcinogen, meaning that exposure to benzene has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly leukemia.
While avobenzone is designed for safe application on skin as part of sunscreen formulas, benzene is not intended for direct use on the body due to its toxicity. Avobenzone's value lies in its protective qualities against sun damage, whereas benzene is valuable in the industrial synthesis of other compounds.
Avobenzone is specifically chosen for its ability to remain stable in sunlight, which is essential for providing long-lasting sun protection. Benzene, on the other hand, is stable under ordinary conditions but highly flammable, requiring careful handling and storage to prevent accidents.
It's important to note that while avobenzone is generally recognized as safe for topical use, it can degrade in the presence of light and may need to be stabilized with other compounds. Benzene’s risks are well-established, and its presence in consumer products is highly regulated or avoided to minimize exposure.
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Use
UV-filter in sunscreens.
Used as a precursor in chemical synthesis.
Safety for Skin
Safe for use in sunscreens.
Carcinogenic and unsafe for skin contact.
Absorption
Absorbs UVA and UVB rays.
Does not absorb UV; it's a non-polar solvent.
State at Room Temperature
Typically found in lotion or cream form.
A clear, colorless liquid.
Health Effects
Considered safe in regulated amounts.
Exposure linked to cancer, particularly leukemia.
Compare with Definitions
Avobenzone
A sun-filtering molecule used in sunscreens.
Avobenzone is often combined with other filters to ensure broad-spectrum UV protection.
Benzene
An aromatic hydrocarbon used industrially.
Benzene is a building block for many synthetic materials like plastics.
Avobenzone
A common component in skin-care products.
Avobenzone is listed as an active ingredient in many daily facial moisturizers.
Benzene
A component of crude oil and gasoline.
Benzene's presence in gasoline contributes to its high octane rating.
Avobenzone
A stabilizer-enhanced compound for longevity.
The sunscreen used avobenzone stabilized with octocrylene to prevent quick degradation.
Benzene
A solvent in various manufacturing processes.
Benzene was historically used as a solvent before its health risks were fully understood.
Avobenzone
An ingredient that absorbs UVA radiation.
Many broad-spectrum sunscreens contain avobenzone to provide deeper skin protection.
Benzene
A volatile organic compound and known carcinogen.
Benzene is found in cigarette smoke and can contribute to health risks.
Avobenzone
A diphenylmethane derivative.
Avobenzone belongs to the diphenylmethane derivatives family of sun protection.
Benzene
A chemical with a distinctive sweet odor.
Workers are trained to recognize the sweet odor of benzene for safety.
Avobenzone
Avobenzone (trade names Parsol 1789, Milestab 1789, Eusolex 9020, Escalol 517, Neo Heliopan 357 and others, INCI Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is an oil-soluble ingredient used in sunscreen products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays.
Benzene
Benzene is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C6H6. The benzene molecule is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a planar ring with one hydrogen atom attached to each.
Avobenzone
An oil-soluble ingredient, derived from dibenzoylmethane, used in sunscreen products to absorb ultraviolet light.
Benzene
A colorless, flammable, toxic, liquid aromatic hydrocarbon, C6H6, derived from petroleum and used in or to manufacture a wide variety of chemical products, including DDT, detergents, insecticides, and motor fuels. Also called benzol.
Benzene
(organic compound) An aromatic hydrocarbon of formula C6H6 whose structure consists of a ring of alternate single and double bonds.
Benzene
Sometimes used in place of the phenyl group.
Benzene
A volatile, very inflammable liquid, C6H6, contained in the naphtha produced by the destructive distillation of coal, from which it is separated by fractional distillation. The name is sometimes applied also to the impure commercial product or benzole, and also, but rarely, to a similar mixed product of petroleum.
Benzene
A colorless liquid hydrocarbon; highly inflammable; carcinogenic; the simplest of the aromatic compounds
Common Curiosities
Can avobenzone be ingested?
No, it is only intended for topical use and should not be ingested.
Is avobenzone safe for all skin types?
Generally, yes, but it can cause reactions in sensitive skin.
Why is benzene dangerous?
Because it's carcinogenic and can cause blood disorders.
How can I avoid benzene exposure?
Avoid cigarette smoke and gasoline fumes, and follow safety guidelines in industrial settings.
Can avobenzone enter the body through the skin?
Minimal amounts may be absorbed, but it's considered safe in regulated concentrations.
Does avobenzone degrade over time?
Yes, it can degrade in sunlight, which is why it's often stabilized in formulations.
Is benzene a liquid or a gas?
Benzene is a liquid at room temperature but can vaporize into a gas.
Can you smell benzene?
Yes, it has a sweet smell, but you shouldn't inhale it.
Is benzene still used in consumer products?
Its use is highly restricted due to its carcinogenic nature.
Does avobenzone protect against UVB as well?
Yes, but it's primarily known for UVA protection.
How is avobenzone different from zinc oxide in sunscreens?
Avobenzone absorbs UV rays, while zinc oxide reflects them.
Is benzene ever used intentionally in personal care products?
Due to safety concerns, benzene is not intentionally added to personal care products.
Can avobenzone stain clothing?
Yes, it can cause stains, especially on lighter fabrics.
Are there natural sources of benzene?
Yes, benzene is present in crude oil and can be released during natural processes like volcanic eruptions.
What should I do if I'm allergic to avobenzone?
Seek sunscreen alternatives like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
