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Ingredient · INCI reference

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid

a.k.a. PBSA

CAS 27503-81-7

Ensulizole, also known as PBSA, is a photostable older-generation organic UVB filter. It is approved in all four markets: EU up to 8%, Korea and US up to 4%, and Japan up to 3% as a quasi-drug. EWG rates it 2.

Legacy organic Pre-2000 chemical filters; broadly approved. Gen · old organic
01 Spectrum coverage UVB
UVB 290–320nm UVB (290–320nm) — covered UVA-II 320–340nm UVA-II (320–340nm) — not covered UVA-I 340–400nm UVA-I (340–400nm) — not covered
02 Regional approval · max %
JP ✓ 3% Japan: Approved · max 3% KR ✓ 4% South Korea: Approved · max 4% EU ✓ 8% Europe: Approved · max 8% US ✓ 4% United States: Approved · max 4%
03 Safety profile
EWG score
2
Reef-toxic
No
Endocrine disruptor
No
Comedogenicity
0
Reference

Frequently asked questions

What does ensulizole cover?

Ensulizole absorbs UVB only. It is water-soluble, gives a lighter feel than oil-soluble UVB filters, and is paired with UVA filters for broad-spectrum protection.

Where is ensulizole approved?

It is approved in all four markets tracked here: the EU up to 8%, the US and Korea up to 4%, and Japan up to 3% (as a quasi-drug).

How common is ensulizole in sunscreens?

It appears in 60 products in this catalog, often in fluid or gel formulas where its water-soluble nature gives a lighter, less oily feel.

Products in catalogue

Containing Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid