Bemotrizinol: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S, BEMT) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVA + UVB. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (up to 10%). In the United States it is an approved OTC sunscreen active ingredient (up to 6%). In the EU it is allowed (up to 10%).
| INCI name | Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Tinosorb S, BEMT |
| Name on Korean labels | 비스-에칠헥실옥시페놀메톡시페닐트리아진 |
| CAS number | 187393-00-6 |
| Protects against | UVA + UVB |
Where Bemotrizinol is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ up to 10% | |
| United States | ✓ up to 6% | Added to FDA's OTC sunscreen monograph M020 by final order OTC000039 (June 10, 2026), effective August 9, 2026 — the first new US sunscreen filter since the late 1990s. source |
| European Union | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 10% |
| Japan | ✓ up to 3% | |
| China | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Canada | — | |
| ASEAN | — | |
| Taiwan | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% |
✓ = allowed as a UV filter, with the maximum concentration in the finished product. * = the limit depends on product type (see the filter page). ✗ = banned. — = no entry in the official list compiled by Korea's MFDS (for the US this means it is not an approved sunscreen active; for other regions, check the regulator's own list).
Source: Korea MFDS "Cosmetic ingredients with use restrictions" (international regulations compiled by MFDS, data.go.kr), refreshed weekly; US changes checked against FDA orders (October 2026). Regulations change — confirm with the regulator before formulating or importing.
Checking a Korean sunscreen
Korean ingredient lists use the Korean name above (비스-에칠헥실옥시페놀메톡시페닐트리아진). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.