EU Bans 4-MBC in 2025 — Korea Still Allows It. Why?
Two trusted regulators looked at the same UV filter and reached opposite conclusions — here's why the EU pulled 4-MBC while Korea kept it.
Under Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996, it became illegal to place new cosmetics containing 4-MBC (enzacamene) on the EU market from May 1, 2025 (full sales ban May 1, 2026) over endocrine-disruption concerns — yet Korea still permits 4-MBC up to 4%, and Korean products were found using it in 2025.
Regulatory analysts note that the EU restricted 4-MBC on the basis of endocrine-disruption concerns, while other jurisdictions such as Korea continue to permit the filter — a reminder that 'approved somewhere' does not mean approved everywhere.
Questions we get a lot
When did the EU ban 4-MBC?
Under Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996, it became illegal to place new cosmetics containing 4-MBC (enzacamene) on the EU market from May 1, 2025, with a full sales ban from May 1, 2026. The action was taken over endocrine-disruption concerns. The phased dates give the market time to adjust.
Is 4-MBC still allowed in Korean sunscreens?
Yes. Korea still permits 4-MBC, also known as enzacamene, up to 4%, and Korean products were found using it in 2025. So a filter banned in the EU can still appear in products sold elsewhere. To spot it, look for '4-MBC,' 'enzacamene,' or '4-methylbenzylidene camphor' on the ingredient list.
r/AsianBeauty: 'My Korean sunscreen lists 4-MBC but the EU just banned it — should I be worried, and how do I spot it on the label?'