Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine (TriAsorB) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVA + UVB. It is not on Korea's list of approved UV filters. 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 5%).
| INCI name | Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | TriAsorB |
| Name on Korean labels | 페닐렌비스-다이페닐트라이아진 |
| CAS number | 55514-22-2 |
| Protects against | UVA + UVB |
Where Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | — | |
| United States | — | Not on FDA's OTC sunscreen monograph (M020) — US sunscreens cannot use it as an active ingredient. |
| European Union | ✓ up to 5% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 5.0% · Other : Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user's lungs by inhalation. |
| Japan | — | |
| China | — | |
| Canada | — | |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 5% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 5% · Conditions of use and warning which must be printed on the labels : Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end user's lungs by inhalation. |
| Taiwan | — | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 5% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 5% · Other limitations and requirements : a) Prohibited in products whose application may lead to exposure by inhalation. b) The concentration of the methyl-pyrrolidone and hydrazine impurities should be kept at a trace level. |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 5% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 5% · Other limitations and requirements : a) Prohibited in products whose application may lead to exposure by inhalation. b) The concentration of the methyl-pyrrolidone and hydrazine impurities should be kept at a trace level. |
✓ = 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 (페닐렌비스-다이페닐트라이아진). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.