Mexoryl 400: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Mexoryl 400 (MCE) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVA. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (up to 3%). 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 3%).
| INCI name | Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MCE |
| Name on Korean labels | 메톡시프로필아미노사이클로헥세닐리덴에톡시에틸사이아노아세테이트 |
| CAS number | 1419401-88-9 |
| Protects against | UVA |
Where Mexoryl 400 is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ up to 3% | |
| United States | — | Not on FDA's OTC sunscreen monograph (M020) — US sunscreens cannot use it as an active ingredient. |
| European Union | ✓ up to 3% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 3% · Other : Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end user’s lungs by inhalation - Not to be used with nitrosating agents - Nitrosamine content should be less than w50 μg/kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers’ |
| Japan | — | |
| China | — | |
| Canada | — | |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 3% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 3% · Other limitations and requirements : — Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation — Do not use with nitrosating agents — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg/kg — Keep in nitrite-free containers’ |
| Taiwan | — | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 3% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 3% · Other limitations and requirements : a) Prohibited in products whose application may lead to exposure by inhalation. b) Do not use with nitrosating agents. c) Maximum content of nitrosamines: 50mg/kg. d) Pack/keep in nitrite-free containers. |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 3% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 3% · Other limitations and requirements : a) Prohibited in products whose application may lead to exposure by inhalation. b) Do not use with nitrosating agents. c) Maximum content of nitrosamines: 50mg/kg. d) Pack/keep in nitrite-free containers. |
✓ = 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 (메톡시프로필아미노사이클로헥세닐리덴에톡시에틸사이아노아세테이트). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.