Is Tinosorb M (MBBT) safe in sunscreen?

The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed both the standard and nano-particle forms and found no evidence of meaningful skin penetration on intact skin, allowing use up to 10 percent. It is not approved as a sunscreen active in the United States, so it mainly shows up in sunscreens formulated for the EU, UK, and Asian markets.

Why isn't MBBT approved in US sunscreens?

The FDA has a separate, slower approval pathway for new UV filters than the EU does, and MBBT has not cleared that process, not because of a specific US safety finding against it.

uv-filter

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol

Generally safe·Strong evidence

A broad-spectrum organic UV filter that absorbs both UVB and UVA and also stabilizes other sunscreen filters. The EU SCCS reviewed both the standard and nano particle-size forms and concluded it does not pose a risk to consumers on healthy, intact skin at up to 10 percent, citing negligible skin penetration due to particle size.

Worth knowing

Restricted in the EU

EU-approved as a UV filter up to 10%, including its nano form under specific labeling requirements.

Questions

Is Tinosorb M (MBBT) safe in sunscreen?: The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed both the standard and nano-particle forms and found no evidence of meaningful skin penetration on intact skin, allowing use up to 10 percent. It is not approved as a sunscreen active in the United States, so it mainly shows up in sunscreens formulated for the EU, UK, and Asian markets.
Why isn't MBBT approved in US sunscreens?: The FDA has a separate, slower approval pathway for new UV filters than the EU does, and MBBT has not cleared that process, not because of a specific US safety finding against it.

Products with Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol

In our guides

Guides
Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: the plain comparison

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.