Bisoctrizole: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M, MBBT) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVA + UVB. 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 | Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Tinosorb M, MBBT |
| Name on Korean labels | 메칠렌비스-벤조트리아졸릴테트라메칠부틸페놀 |
| CAS number | 103597-45-1 |
| Protects against | UVA + UVB |
Where Bisoctrizole 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 %(*) (*) In case of combined use of Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol and Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano), the sum shall not exceed the limit given in column g.’. · Other : Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end user's lungs by inhalation. Only nanomaterials having the following characteristics are allowed: — Purity ≥ 98,5 %, with 2,2′-methylene-bis- (6(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(isooctyl)phenol) isomer fraction not exceeding 1,5 %; — Solubility < 5 ng/L in water at 25 °C; — Partition coefficient (Log Pow): 12,7 at 25 °C; — Uncoated; — Median particle size D50 (50 % |
| Japan | ✓ up to 10% | |
| China | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Canada | — | |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 10% |
| 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 (메칠렌비스-벤조트리아졸릴테트라메칠부틸페놀). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.