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Ingredient · INCI reference

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid

Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid) is a water-soluble organic UVB filter that gives a light, non-greasy feel.

What it is

Ensulizole is one of the few water-soluble organic sunscreen agents. Because it dissolves in the water phase, it lends a light, dry, non-oily feel and is often used in fluid lotions and gels. It primarily absorbs UVB radiation.

Spectrum coverage

UVB

UVA-I 340–400nm UVA-I (340–400nm) — not covered UVA-II 320–340nm UVA-II (320–340nm) — not covered UVB 290–320nm UVB (290–320nm) — covered

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%

Safety & warnings

A long-used filter generally regarded as well tolerated; as a UVB-focused filter it is paired with UVA filters for broad-spectrum protection.

Reef-toxic
No
Endocrine disruptor
No
Comedogenicity
0

Origin & sourcing

Synthetic organic UV filter.

Questions everyone asks

What makes ensulizole different from other filters?

It is water-soluble, so it gives a light, non-greasy feel and suits fluid, watery sunscreens.

What UV range does it cover?

Mainly UVB, so it is combined with UVA filters for broad-spectrum protection.

Sources & references

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