Oxybenzone: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVB + UVA2. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (up to 5%). In the United States it is an approved OTC sunscreen active ingredient (up to 6%). In the EU it is allowed (up to 6%*).
| INCI name | Benzophenone-3 |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Benzophenone-3 |
| Name on Korean labels | 벤조페논-3 |
| CAS number | 131-57-7 |
| Protects against | UVB + UVA2 |
Where Oxybenzone is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ up to 5% | |
| United States | ✓ up to 6% | |
| European Union | ✓ up to 6%* | Product Type, body parts : (a) Face products, hand products, and lip products, excluding propellant and pump spray products (b) Body products, including propellant and pump spray products (c) Other products · Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : (a) 6% (b) 2,2% (c) 0,5% Footnote 1: However, cosmetic products containing '2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone/Oxybenzone' and complying with the restrictions set out in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as applicable on 27 July 2022 may be placed on the Union market until 28 January 2023 and be made available on the Union market until 28 July 2023. · Other : (a) If used at 0,5 % to protect product formulation, the levels used as UV filter m |
| Japan | ✓ up to 5%* | |
| China | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Canada | ✓ up to 6% | Maximum Concentration Permitted : ≤ 6% |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 6% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 6% · Conditions of use and warning which must be printed on the labels : Contains oxybenzone (Not required if concentration is 0.5% or less and when it is used only for product protection purposes) |
| Taiwan | ✓ up to 6%* | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% · Other limitations and requirements : For concentrations greater than 0.5%, include a warning on the label: "contains Benzophenone-3" |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% · Other limitations and requirements : For concentrations greater than 0.5%, include a warning on the label: "contains Benzophenone-3" |
✓ = 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 (벤조페논-3). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.