Trolamine Salicylate: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
Trolamine Salicylate (TEA-Salicylate) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVB. It is allowed in Korean sunscreens (with conditions). In the United States it is being removed from the list of sunscreen active ingredients (FDA order, September 2026; effective September 2027). In the EU it is allowed (up to 2.5%*).
| INCI name | TEA-Salicylate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | TEA-Salicylate |
| Name on Korean labels | 티이에이-살리실레이트 |
| CAS number | 2174-16-5 |
| Protects against | UVB |
Where Trolamine Salicylate is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✓ with conditions | Listed in Korea; the MFDS text states its limits as salicylic acid — see the official text. |
| United States | ⚠ being removed (2027) | FDA final order OTC000008-1 (September 2026) removes trolamine salicylate from the sunscreen monograph, effective September 2027. source |
| European Union | ✓ up to 2.5%* | Product Type, body parts : (a) Leave-on products (b) Rinse-off products · Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : (a) 2.5% · Other : (a) (b) - Do not use with nitrosating systems - Minimum purity: 99% - Maximum secondary amine content: 0.5% (applies to raw materials) - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers · Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : Salicylic acid: 0,5 % (acid) Salicylic acid salts: 0,5 % (acid) · Other : Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos · Wording of conditions of use and warnings : Salicylic acid: Not to be used for children under 3 years of age **Solely for pro |
| Japan | ✓ up to 1% | |
| China | ✓ up to 2.5%* | |
| Canada | ✓ up to 12% | Maximum Concentration Permitted : ≤ 12% |
| ASEAN | ✓ up to 3%* | Field of application and/or use : (a) Rinse-off hair products (b) Other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant (c) Body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant · Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : (a) 3.0 % (b) 2.0% (c) 0.5% · Other limitations and requirements : (a) (b) (c) Not to be used in preparations for children under 3 years of age. Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation. Not to be used in oral products. For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent fr |
| Taiwan | ✓ with conditions | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 12%* | Field of application and/or use : (a) Products without rinse. (b) Other products. · Maximum concentration permitted at final product : (a) 2.5% · Other limitations and requirements : a.- b.- . No use with nitrosating systems . -Pureza minimum 99% maximum -Tenor of secondary amines in raw materials 0.5%. Maximum nitrosamine -Tenor. 50 ug / kg -Envasar / keep in containers free of nitrites · Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 0.5% (expressed as acid) · Other limitations and requirements : Prohibited in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos. · Use conditions and warnings that must appear on the label : Products for use Adults: "Do not use in children" F |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 12%* | Field of application and/or use : (a) Products without rinse. (b) Other products. · Maximum concentration permitted at final product : (a) 2.5% · Other limitations and requirements : a.- b.- . No use with nitrosating systems . -Pureza minimum 99% maximum -Tenor of secondary amines in raw materials 0.5%. Maximum nitrosamine -Tenor. 50 ug / kg -Envasar / keep in containers free of nitrites · Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 0.5% (expressed as acid) · Other limitations and requirements : Prohibited in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos. · Use conditions and warnings that must appear on the label : Products for use Adults: "Do not use in children" F |
✓ = 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 (티이에이-살리실레이트). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.