Benzylidene Camphor Sulfonic Acid: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Benzylidene Camphor Sulfonic Acid is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering 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 6%).
| INCI name | Benzylidene Camphor Sulfonic Acid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | — |
| Name on Korean labels | 벤질리덴캠퍼설포닉애씨드 |
| CAS number | 56039-58-8 |
| Protects against | UVB |
Where Benzylidene Camphor Sulfonic Acid 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 6% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 6%(as acid) |
| Japan | — | |
| China | ✓ up to 6% | |
| Canada | — | |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 6% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 6% (expressed as acid) |
| Taiwan | ✓ up to 6% | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 6% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 6% (expresado como ácido) |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 6% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 6% (expresado como ácido) |
✓ = 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 (벤질리덴캠퍼설포닉애씨드). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.