Drometrizole: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Drometrizole is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVB + UVA2. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (up to 1%). In the United States it is not an approved sunscreen active ingredient, so US sunscreens cannot use it. It is not on the EU list of UV filters.
| INCI name | Drometrizole |
|---|---|
| Also known as | — |
| Name on Korean labels | 드로메트리졸 |
| CAS number | 2440-22-4 |
| Protects against | UVB + UVA2 |
Where Drometrizole is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ up to 1% | |
| United States | — | Not on FDA's OTC sunscreen monograph (M020) — US sunscreens cannot use it as an active ingredient. |
| European Union | — | |
| Japan | ✓ up to 7% | |
| China | — | |
| Canada | — | |
| ASEAN | — | |
| Taiwan | — | |
| Brazil | — | |
| Argentina | — |
✓ = 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 (드로메트리졸). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.