Bisdisulizole Disodium: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Bisdisulizole Disodium (Neo Heliopan AP) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVA. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (up to 10%). In the United States it is not an approved sunscreen active ingredient, so US sunscreens cannot use it. In the EU it is allowed (up to 10%).
| INCI name | Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Neo Heliopan AP |
| Name on Korean labels | 디소듐페닐디벤즈이미다졸테트라설포네이트 |
| CAS number | 180898-37-7 |
| Protects against | UVA |
Where Bisdisulizole Disodium is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ up to 10% | |
| United States | — | Not on FDA's OTC sunscreen monograph (M020) — US sunscreens cannot use it as an active ingredient. |
| European Union | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 10%(as acid) |
| Japan | — | |
| China | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Canada | — | |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 10%* | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 10% (of acid) |
| Taiwan | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% (expresado como ácido) |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% (expresado como ácido) |
✓ = 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 (디소듐페닐디벤즈이미다졸테트라설포네이트). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.