Avobenzone: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Parsol 1789) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVA. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (up to 5%). In the United States it is an approved OTC sunscreen active ingredient (up to 3%). In the EU it is allowed (up to 5%).
| INCI name | Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Parsol 1789 |
| Name on Korean labels | 부틸메톡시디벤조일메탄 |
| CAS number | 70356-09-1 |
| Protects against | UVA |
Where Avobenzone is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ up to 5% | |
| United States | ✓ up to 3% | |
| European Union | ✓ up to 5% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 5% |
| Japan | ✓ up to 10% | |
| China | ✓ up to 5% | |
| Canada | ✓ up to 3% | Maximum Concentration Permitted : ≤ 3% |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 5% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 5% |
| Taiwan | ✓ up to 5% | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 5% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 5% |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 5% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 5% |
✓ = 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 (부틸메톡시디벤조일메탄). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.