Avobenzone is a full-spectrum ultraviolet A (UVA) blocker. It inhibits UVA-induced increases in melanin levels and tyrosinase activity in B16/F10 melanoma cells (IC30s = 21.94 and 24.25 μM, respectively). Avobenzone (30 μM) also inhibits UVA-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 8-hydroxy-2''-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG; ), as well as inhibits UVA-induced depletion of glutathione (GSH; ), in B16/F10 cells. It increases nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and upregulates the antioxidant response element (ARE) in UVA-irradiated B16/F10 cells when used at at a concentration of 30 μM. Formulations containing avobenzone have been used as a sun protectant in sunscreen products.
