2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-Sulfonic Acid
What 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-Sulfonic Acid is & what it does
2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-Sulfonic Acid is a water-soluble organic UV filter, also known by the trade name Ensulizole or as Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (PBSA). It primarily absorbs UVB radiation with only minimal UVA coverage, so it is usually paired with broad UVA filters. Being water-soluble, it gives a light, non-greasy feel and is often used in cosmetically elegant or hybrid sunscreen-moisturizer products. No specific concerns are flagged for it here.
What is 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-Sulfonic Acid?
It is a water-soluble organic UV filter, also known as Ensulizole or PBSA. It is used in sunscreens to help absorb ultraviolet light.
What does 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-Sulfonic Acid do in sunscreen?
It primarily absorbs UVB rays with only minimal UVA coverage, so it is usually paired with dedicated UVA filters for broad-spectrum protection. Being water-soluble, it gives a light, non-greasy feel suited to fluid and hybrid moisturizer-sunscreen textures.
Is 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-Sulfonic Acid safe?
It is an approved sunscreen filter in many regions and no specific concerns are flagged for it here. It is mainly a UVB absorber, so the product needs additional UVA filters for full broad-spectrum coverage.
Sunscreens with 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-Sulfonic Acid
We rate 4 sunscreens that contain it:
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Vivier Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
63/100
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Creme classique Safari SPF 40
57/100
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Gigi Vitamin E Hydratant Cream SPF 17 For Normal To Dry Skin
48/100
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Gigi Sun Care Daily Moisture Spf 50
48/100