Korean: 소듐페닐벤지미다졸설포네이트 · Functions: uv absorber, uv filter
No specific rule on file.
Approved UV filter Annex VI/6
Maximum: 8%(as acid)
Conditions: 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulphonic acid and its potassium, sodium and triethanolamine salts / Ensulizole
Source: EU CosIng — Annex VI · checked Oct 17, 2026
Not an FDA-listed sunscreen active M020 (not listed)
Conditions: Permitted as a UV filter elsewhere, but not on the FDA list of sunscreen active ingredients (§M020.10). It cannot be the active ingredient of a sunscreen marketed in the U.S. under the monograph.
Source: FDA OTC Monograph M020 (sunscreens) · checked Oct 17, 2026
This is a UV filter. In the U.S., sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter drugs, so a filter must be on the FDA's list of permitted sunscreen actives to be used in a sunscreen sold there. Compare all filters on Sunscreen filters: Korea vs EU vs U.S.
How Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate is treated in 3 more markets, from the overseas cosmetic regulation database compiled by Korea's MFDS. Always confirm with the regulator of that country before selling there.
| Market | Status | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| CN China | Restricted | MFDS summary (Korean): * 【화장품 중 최대사용농도】 배합한도 (일반) : 총량 8%(산으로 계산) |
| AS ASEAN (10 countries) | Restricted | MFDS summary (Korean): * 【Restrictions】 Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 8% expressed as acid * 제한 【완제품에서 허용된 최대 농도】 : 8% (자유염기로서) |
| TW Taiwan | Restricted | MFDS summary (Korean): * 用途(용도) : 防曬劑 (자외선차단제) * 배합한도 : 8% (以acid 計) 8% (산으로서 계산할 때) |
Source: MFDS cosmetic ingredient use restrictions — overseas regulations · checked Oct 17, 2026
SODIUM PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONATE 소듐페닐벤지미다졸설포네이트
Information only, not medical advice. Rules change — always check the linked official source. If you are pregnant, have a skin condition or allergies, ask a dermatologist or pharmacist.
In the EU's CosIng records it is listed as “Approved UV filter” (EU CosIng — Annex VI). The maximum allowed is 8%(as acid). It is allowed for that use within the stated conditions.
We found no specific rule for it in Korea's MFDS records. That is not an approval or a safety statement.
In the FDA's records it is listed as “Not an FDA-listed sunscreen active” (FDA OTC Monograph M020 (sunscreens)).
The EU's CosIng inventory lists its functions as: uv absorber, uv filter.
Korea's MFDS standard Korean name is 소듐페닐벤지미다졸설포네이트.