Tris-Biphenyl Triazine: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb A2B) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVB + UVA2. 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 10%).
| INCI name | Tris-Biphenyl Triazine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Tinosorb A2B |
| Name on Korean labels | 트리스-바이페닐트라이아진 |
| CAS number | 31274-51-8 |
| Protects against | UVB + UVA2 |
Where Tris-Biphenyl Triazine 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 10% | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 10% · Other : Not to be used in sprays. Only nanomaterials having the folloing characteristics are allowed: - Median primary particle size >80 nm; - Purity ≥ 98%; - Uncoated |
| Japan | — | |
| China | — | |
| Canada | — | |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 10% · Other limitations and requirements : Not to be used in sprays. Only nanomaterials having the following characteristics are allowed: — median primary particle size > 80 nm; — Purity ≥ 98 %; — Uncoated |
| Taiwan | ✓ up to 10% | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% · Other limitations and requirements : a) Its use in sprayable systems (which disperse particles in the air) is prohibited. b) The nanomaterial must have the following characteristics: - Average size of the primary particle > 80nm; - Purity ≥98% and uncoated |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 10% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 10% · Other limitations and requirements : a) Its use in sprayable systems (which disperse particles in the air) is prohibited. b) The nanomaterial must have the following characteristics: - Average size of the primary particle > 80nm; - Purity ≥98% and uncoated |
✓ = 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 (트리스-바이페닐트라이아진). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.