4-MBC in Sunscreen: Why Europe Banned It – and Australia Still Allows It
Share
If you’re the kind of person who flips your sunscreen over to read the ingredients list (hi, you’re our people ✋), you might have seen a tongue-twister like 4-methylbenzylidene camphor – usually shortened to 4-MBC or sometimes called enzacamene.
It’s a UV filter that’s been used in sunscreens for decades.
It’s also now banned across the European Union, not approved in the U.S. or Japan, and yet still permitted in Australian sunscreens – including some marketed for babies and kids. Wikipedia+2EUR-Lex+2
Let’s unpack what 4-MBC actually is, why so many regulators are moving away from it, and how you can choose products that align with your values and your family’s health.
What is 4-MBC?
4-MBC is a synthetic (chemical) UVB filter. It absorbs UVB rays (the ones that burn) and turns that energy into a less harmful form of energy, helping to prevent sunburn. It’s oil-soluble and has been used for years in high-SPF “everyday” sunscreens, often alongside other filters like avobenzone. INCIDecoder+1
So far, so normal – lots of sunscreens rely on chemical filters. The concern with 4-MBC isn’t that it doesn’t work against UV (it does), but what else it might be doing in the body and in the environment.

How Different Countries Treat 4-MBC
European Union
In 2024, the EU made a decisive move:
- The European Commission adopted Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996, which completely bans 4-MBC in all cosmetic products, including sunscreens. EUR-Lex+1
- This followed an in-depth opinion from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which concluded it couldn’t rule out genotoxicity (DNA-damaging potential) and found sufficient evidence that 4-MBC behaves like an endocrine (hormone) disruptor, affecting thyroid and estrogen systems. Public Health+1
Timeline for the EU:
- From May 1, 2025: Products containing 4-MBC can’t be newly placed on the EU market.
- From May 1, 2026: They can’t be sold at all. EUR-Lex+1
United States & Japan
In the U.S. and Japan, 4-MBC has never been approved as a sunscreen active ingredient. It simply doesn’t appear on the list of allowed UV filters, so you won’t find it in OTC sunscreens there. Wikipedia+1
Denmark & Other Countries
Denmark moved early, banning 4-MBC from all cosmetic products as far back as the early 2000s, largely due to endocrine and environmental concerns. Other countries and regions (including some island nations focused on reef protection) have also restricted it. Wikipedia+1
Australia & Canada
Australia and Canada still permit 4-MBC in sunscreens at concentrations up to 4%. Wikipedia+2ScienceDirect+2
In Australia:
- The Australian Sunscreen Council notes that 4-MBC is banned in 28 countries, including all EU member states, yet still allowed in Australian sunscreens, and describes it as one of several “grandfathered” ingredients that have not been fully reassessed by the TGA under modern standards. Australian Sunscreen Council+1
- The TGA continues to treat it as an allowed UV filter in therapeutic sunscreens, even as other regulators revise their positions. Wikipedia+1
So while you can’t buy a 4-MBC sunscreen in many parts of the world, you can still buy one in Australian pharmacies and supermarkets today.

Why Scientists Are Worried About 4-MBC
1. Endocrine (Hormone) Disruption
“Endocrine disruptor” is a technical way of saying: a substance can interfere with the body’s hormone system. Hormones regulate everything from growth and metabolism to fertility and brain development.
Key concerns with 4-MBC:
- Estrogen-like activity: Lab studies have shown that 4-MBC can bind to estrogen receptors and behave like a weak estrogen in some models. Public Health+1
- Thyroid disruption: The SCCS concluded there is sufficient evidence that 4-MBC can affect thyroid hormone systems, which are crucial for growth and brain development. Public Health+1
- Reproductive and developmental effects: Animal studies suggest that exposure to 4-MBC during sensitive windows (such as pregnancy or puberty) may affect fertility, testicular development and puberty-related processes. ScienceDirect+1
Back in 2001, the TGA itself flagged 4-MBC in a safety alert on “potential oestrogenicity of sunscreens,” after research raised questions about estrogen-like effects in animals. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
To be clear: this does not mean that using a single bottle of sunscreen with 4-MBC will cause a specific disease. But it does mean regulators are increasingly uncomfortable with long-term, low-level exposure to a chemical that:
- is absorbed through the skin,
- can be detected in blood and urine, and
- shows hormone-disrupting effects in multiple models. Wikipedia+1
2. Environmental & Reef Concerns
4-MBC doesn’t just stay on your skin. When it washes off in the shower or ocean, it can enter waterways.
Research has found that 4-MBC:
- Is highly toxic to aquatic life, including fish and invertebrates.
- Bioaccumulates, meaning it can build up in the tissues of organisms over time.
- Can interfere with fish hormone systems, affect algae growth and contribute to coral stress. ScienceDirect+2ScienceDirect+2
Because of this persistence and toxicity, some marine-focused regulations (for example, in Thailand’s marine national parks) specifically target 4-MBC alongside other problematic filters. ascc.com.au


So… Should Australians Avoid 4-MBC?
First, an important point:
Going without sunscreen is not the answer.
Australian health agencies are very clear that the proven benefits of using sunscreen to reduce skin cancer risk outweigh the known risks of currently-approved ingredients. Cancer Council WA+1
But within the universe of sunscreens, you absolutely can choose filters with a stronger safety and environmental profile. Many brands have already phased out 4-MBC voluntarily as consumer awareness has grown. skinterest+1
If you prefer a precautionary approach, it’s reasonable to avoid filters that:
- are being banned or phased out overseas
- are classified or treated as suspected endocrine disruptors
- raise persistent environmental red flags
4-MBC unfortunately ticks all three boxes.

How to Spot 4-MBC on Your Sunscreen Label
On your ingredient list, 4-MBC may appear as:
- 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
- 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC)
- Enzacamene
If you see any of those, you’re looking at a product that uses 4-MBC as part of its UV filter system. INCIDecoder+1
You can also:
- Scan with an ingredient-rating app like Yuka, which scores cosmetic products based on ingredient safety and independent sources. Lab Muffin Beauty Science+1
- Search the brand online together with “4-MBC” to see if they’ve publicly committed to phasing it out.
Where Oze Sun Stands on 4-MBC (and Chemical Filters in General)
At Oze Sun, we took a different path from day one:
-
No 4-MBC. No chemical UV filters.
Our SPF 50 uses 25% non-nano zinc oxide as the sole active UV filter – a mineral shield that sits on the surface of the skin and reflects/scatters UV rays. OZE SUN® - 100% certified organic & vegan formula with Australian native botanicals, created to be gentle enough for sensitive skin and little ones (18+ months). OZE SUN®+1
- Reef-safe and ocean-conscious, designed to avoid filters that are known to harm marine life or coral, including oxybenzone, octinoxate and 4-MBC. OZE SUN®+1
- Rated “Excellent” on Yuka, reflecting not just UV protection, but the overall health profile of our ingredients. OZE SUN®+1
In other words:
You won’t find 4-MBC in any Oze Sun product – now or in the future.
How to Talk About 4-MBC with Your Friends & Family
If you’re the ingredient-nerd in your group (welcome to the club), here’s a simple way to explain 4-MBC without scaring people off sunscreen altogether:
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable in Australia. We need it to prevent skin cancer and premature aging.
- Not all filters are equal. Some older chemical filters – like 4-MBC – are being phased out overseas because of hormone and environmental concerns. Public Health+2EUR-Lex+2
- Australia hasn’t caught up yet. 4-MBC is still allowed here and shows up in some mainstream brands, including products for kids. Australian Sunscreen Council+1
- Consumers can choose better. Mineral, zinc-based sunscreens with cleaner ingredient profiles offer strong UV protection without relying on filters that are under regulatory fire. OZE SUN®+1
Final Thoughts
4-MBC is a good example of how sunscreen regulation can lag behind emerging science:
- A filter approved decades ago can take years – even decades – to be fully re-evaluated,
- Different countries can arrive at very different conclusions about the same ingredient,
- And consumers are often left confused in the middle.
Our view at Oze Sun is simple:
When in doubt, choose the option with the cleanest, most future-proof safety profile – especially for babies, kids and daily use.
That’s why we built Oze Sun the way we did:
- mineral, zinc-only protection,
- certified organic, vegan and reef-safe,
- and independently rated “Excellent” by Yuka. OZE SUN®+1
If you’d like to swap to a sunscreen that keeps you safe from both UV damage and controversial filters like 4-MBC, you can explore our SPF 50 range here. OZE SUN®
Sunny regards,
Zoe - Oze Sun Founder

Key References
- European Commission, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) – SCCS Opinion & Regulatory Status Public Health+1
- SCCS & environmental toxicology studies on 4-MBC endocrine and reproductive effects ScienceDirect+1
- Australian Sunscreen Council – Sunscreen Safety Issues in Australia & “grandfathered ingredients” Australian Sunscreen Council+1
- Enzacamene (4-MBC) regulatory summary – US, Japan, Denmark, Canada, Australia Wikipedia
- Cancer Council & state Cancer Councils – sunscreen benefits vs risks Cancer Australia+1
- Oze Sun: ingredient list & Yuka rating blog OZE SUN®+1
Sunscreens that still use 4-MBC (according to INCIDecoder)
- A’pieu Milkening Hand Cream SPF15
- AIPPO Daily Sun Cream SPF50+
- Alpha-H Essential Skin Perfecting Moisturiser With SPF 15
- ANJO Professional 365 Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
- Argussy Sun Care For Face SPF 50 PA+++
- Babé Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Babé Laboratorios Fotoprotector Facial Sunscreen
- Bali Breeze Tropical Sunscreen Sport SPF 50+ PA++++
- Banana Boat Baby Roll On Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Banana Boat Kids Roll On Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Bella Aurora B7 Antispot And Anti-aging Cream For Normal To Dry Skin
- Benton Mineral Sun Stick SPF50+/PA++++
- Bioderma Photoderm Max Crème SPF 100
- Bioderma Photoderm Max Cream Golden Tint SPF 100
- Bioderma Photoderm Max Lait SPF100 (Face & Body, Sensitive Skin)
- Black Monster BB Lotion
- BONAJOUR Natural Green Tea Sunblock (SPF50/PA+++)
- Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Body Lotion
- Bondi Sands Sunny Daze Hydrating SPF 50+ Face Fluid Drops
- Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Hydrating Tinted Face Lotion
- Bondi Sands SPF50+ Everyday Face Lotion
- Bondi Sands Zonnebrand
- BYEOLEE Sunscreen 50SPF
- Cancer Council Active Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
- Cancer Council Active Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+
- Cancer Council Daily Moisturiser Light Tint SPF50+
- Cancer Council Daily Moisturiser Matte SPF 50+
- Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte Invisible SPF 50+
- Cancer Council Kids Sunscreen SPF50+
- Cancer Council Kids Sunscreen SPF50+ (pump variant)
- Cancer Council SPF 50+ Kids
- Cancer Council SPF 50+ Kids Sunscreen Pump Water Resistance
- Cancer Council SPF 50+ Ultra Sunscreen Lip Balm
- Cancer Council SPF 50+ Face & Body Moisturiser
- Cancer Council SPF 50+ Face Day Wear BB Cream Matte Light Tint
- Cancer Council SPF 50+ Face Day Wear BB Cream Matte Medium Tint
- Cancer Council Sensitive
- Cancer Council Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+
- Cancer Council Sport Pump SPF 50+
- Cenoura & Bronze Protetor Solar Facial Diário FPS 30
- Chito Care beauty Chitocare Face Cream
- Clarice Beauty Sun Protection Cream White
- Clinians Latte Protettivo SPF 50
- Coles Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Cosmetic Skin Solutions Sunscreen SPF 30+
- D2 Sun Cream SPF 50+/PA+++
- Dabo UV Protection Collagen Lifting Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- Daqan Vitamin C Extract Sunblock Cream 60g
- Dead Sea Spa Magik Sunsafe Magic Lotion SPF50
- Derma XP UV Protector SPF 30
- DermaVeen Daily Nourish Body Moisturiser SPF50+
- DermaVeen Sensitive Sun SPF 50+
- DermaVeen Sensitive Sun SPF50+ (body variant)
- DermaVeen Sensitive Sun SPF 50+ With Body Moisturiser
- Dermopal SPF 50
- Dermopal Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Dermopal Sunscreen SPF30
- DISAAR Instant Protection Skin Color Sunscreen 90
- DISAAR Moisturising Sunblock
- DMCK Sun Aqua Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- Dr Cellio Green Tea Suncream
- Dr Cellio Green Tea Tone-Up Sun Cream
- Dr Cellio Hyaluron Whitening Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- Dr Cellio Snail Whitening Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- Dr Rashel Sun Cream Hydrate SPF+++50
- Dr Rashel Whitening Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF 75
- Dr.Rashel Sun Cream Hydrate SPF+++50 (variant listing)
- ECLIPSOL Ultra Crema Facial y Corporal
- Ekel Collagen Sun Block
- Ekel Soothing & Moisture Peptide Sun Block
- Ekel UV Sun Block SPF50/PA+++
- Ella Baché Great SPF50+ Facesaver Lotion
- Ella Baché Suncover Great SPF50 Foundation
- Ellaro Fluid Wetforce Sunscreen SPF 50
- Emina Bring Stuff For Acne Prone Skin Moisturizing Cream
- Emina Ms. Pimple Acne Solution Moisturizing Gel
- Enough Collagen 3 In 1 Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
- Enough Collagen 3 In 1 Sun Cream (duplicate listing)
- Enough Collagen Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
- Erha Acneact Acne Protection Sunscreen SPF 45 PA+++
- Erha Acneact Acne Sun Friendly Sunscreen
- Erha Brightening Neck Cream
- Erha Perfect Shield Sunscreen Oily Skin SPF 30 PA++
- Erha21 Perfect Shield Helios Daily Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++
- Erha21 Perfect Shield UVA + UVB Sunscreen Gel For Normal & Dry Skin SPF 30 PA++
- Esfolio Blue Flower Sun Cream SPF 50
- Esfolio Multi Grain Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- Eshumi Collagen Laser Sunscreen 100 Suncream SPF50+ PA+++
- Eshumi Vitamin Laser Sunscreen 100 Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- Etnia Biphasic Evanescence Body Spray
- eyeNlip Pure Perfection Natural Sun Cream (listed twice)
- Face Republic Cover-up BB Cream
- Face Republic Purity Sun Essence
- Facerepublic Super Screen Sun Gel SPF 50+
- Genové Protection Solar Spray Genovan FPS 30
- Gigi Bioplasma Moisturizer Supreme
- Gigi Laboratories Ester C Moisturizer SPF 20
- Gigi Sun Care Daily Moisture SPF 50
- Gisele Denis Anti-Aging Facial SPF 50+
- Gisele Denis Anti-Aging Facial Sunscreen SPF 30
- Goat Moisturising Lip Balm SPF 50
- Goat Sunscreen Dry Touch
- Hamilton Everyday Face SPF 50+
- Hamilton Sensitive SPF50+ Very High Protection Sunscreen
- Hamilton Sensitive SPF50+ Lotion
- Hamilton SUN SPF 50+ Sensitive Lotion
- Hamilton SUN Screen Everyday Face Lotion
- HAYAH LABORATORIES Uvepro SPF50+ Dry Touch Cream
- Heliocare Advanced Cream SPF 50
- Heliocare Color Compacto Oil Free
- Heliocare Color Oil-free Compact SPF 50
- HOTSORRY Green Tea Natural Sun Cream
- Hot Sorry Brightening UV Protector Protection Anti-UV Illuminator
- Hot Sorry Intensive Natural Sun Cream SPF50+/PA+++
- Illumia Skin All In One UV Base SPF 50+ PA++++
- JAVIN DE SEOUL Bloom Foundation Pact
- JAVIN DE SEOUL Hugging Skin Tint
- JAVIN DE SEOUL Wink Foundation
- JAVIN DE SEOUL Wink Foundation Pact
- JAVIN DE SEOUL Wink Sun Base (SPF 50, PA+++)
- JIGOTT Çok Fonksiyonlu Güneş Koruyucu BB Krem SPF 41 PA++
- JIGOTT Snail UV Sun Block
- JIGOTT Whitening UV Sun Block SPF 50+/PA+++
- Kamena SPF 35 Sunscreen Cream
- KA UV Superbloc Fluid Protector
- KeySun Clear Zinke Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Kmart SPF 50+ Tinted Face Moisturiser Sunscreen
- La Clinica Perfect Complexion Sunscreen Lotion
- Laikou Japan Sakura Sunscreen SPF 50
- Laikou Japan Sakura Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
- Laikou Milk Brightening Sunscreen SPF50 UV
- Laikou Whitening Sunscreen
- Lamelle Helase Urban Defence
- Lamelle Luminesce Brightening Defense 30
- Lava Art Glow Compact Cushion
- Le Tan BB Cream Medium Tint
- Le Tan SPF 50+ Coconut Sunscreen
- LUNA Sunscreen SPF 27+ Face And Body
- Luxe Organix Cica Rescue Color Adapting Recover Cream
- Luxe Organix UV Perfecting Tint Serum Sunscreen
- Madáme Gie Madame Protect Me SPF 30 Sunscreen
- Malibu Face Cream SPF 50
- Malibu Kids Sunscreen SPF 50
- Malibu Sun Lotion SPF50
- Malibu Sun Lotion Spray SPF50
- Mantecorp Protetor Solar Episol Sec Oc FPS60
- Marbert Phytocell Deep Energy Eye Balm
- Massada Avocado Anti-Wrinkle Cream
- MARTIDERM Pigment Zero DSP-cover Stick SPF 50+
- Maxiblock Kinder Sunscreen SPF50+
- Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF50 Superscreen
- Medihealth Umbrella Plus Spray
- MEDI-PEEL Active Silky Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- MEDI-PEEL Bio-Cell Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- MEDI-PEEL Peptide 9 Sun Stick 50 PA++++ Pro
- Mesoestetic Moisturising Sun Protection SPF 50
- Melanox Premium Face UV Protector SPF 30 PA++
- Missha Extreme Renew Lotion
- Moist Multi-dimensional Light And Water Protection Sunscreen
- Muldream Seoul Premium Biome Sun Cream
- My Sunscreen SPF60
- Natio Ageless Daily Moisturiser UV Protection SPF 30+
- Natio Aromatherapy Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+
- Natio Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
- Natio Daily Defence Moisturiser
- Natio Rosewater Hydration Moisture Balance Day Cream SPF 50+
- Natio Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50+
- Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Collagen Glow Crème
- Note 3 in 1 Healthy Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 50
- NOTE COSMETICS 3 In 1
- NuDerm Moisturizing Sunblock SPF 40
- Nutriex Protetor Solar 60 FPS
- Nutriex Protetor Solar FPS 60 Facial
- Ombra Daily Defence Face Sunscreen SPF 50+ Light Feel
- Oriox All Day Sun Cream
- OxygenCeuticals TP Sun Cream
- PANVEL Hidratante Matte FPS25 Panvel Faces
- PANVEL Serum FPS25 Panvel Faces Normal a Seca
- Parasol Face Sunscreen Cream SPF 33
- Parasol HeliaTech Sunscreen SPF 45
- Parasol Sunscreen Gel
- Parasol UV Guard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 PA++
- Petrizzio Dermo Italia Crema Protectora FPS-50 Anti Fotoenvejecimiento Indoor/Outdoor
- Priceline Sensitive With Zinc Sunscreen
- Propaira SPF50+ Tinted Sunscreen
- Provamed Sensitive Sun Aqua Serum SPF 50 PA+++
- Provamed Sun Aqua Serum Sensitive SPF 50 PA+++
- Pureforet Centella Cica Sun Cream SPF47 PA+++
- Quifarma Solor Gel
- Quimiderm Win-Sun
- Rayito de Sol Crema Protectora Ozono Antioxidante SPF50
- Reef Coconut Sunscreen Dry-touch Lotion SPF50
- Rohto Skin Aqua UV Mist Light & Moisture
- Sadoer Moist Sunscreen SPF60+ PA++++ (6-in-1)
- Secret Key Let Me Know CC Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- Secret Skin Snail+EGF Perfect Facial Sun Cream SPF50+
- Selvert Thermal Protector Barrier Cream SPF 90
- Simond's Pantalla Solar Bebes, Niños Y Adultos 50+ SPF
- Simple Age Resisting Day Cream SPF15
- Simple Kind To Skin Regeneration Age Resisting Day Cream
- Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Day Cream
- Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser (SPF variant listing)
- Skin Saints Vitamin C SPF 30 Replenishing Day Moisturiser
- Skin Junkie Sunny Hunny Sun Gel SPF50 PA+++
- Skindrug Sunface Gel SPF 50
- Skin79 Intense Classic Balm SPF 35
- SNP UV Perfect Daily Suncream
- Sol-or Protector Solar Piel Mixta
- Sol-or Protector Solar SPF 50+
- Spa Find Balanced Beauty Stabilising Moisturiser
- SpectraBAN SPF 50+ PA+++
- Square Sunmask
- Sun Zapper SPF 50+ Clear Zinc Sunscreen
- Surf Life Saving Sport Sunscreen Marine Friendly SPF 50+
- Swiitch Beauty #SuperheroSPF Invisible Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
- The Originote Niaceramide Sunscreen Mist
- The Plant Base Dailiben Innocent Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
- The Skin House UV Protection Sun Block
- TonyMoly 2X Vitamin C Tone Up Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
- Tropic by Malibu SPF 50 Anti Aging Face Cream
- True Island Honey Bee UV Sun Protector SPF 50+ PA+++
- Umbrella Gel Sunscreen
- Unichi 11 Pearls Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+
- VELNEA Sun Face Cream SPF30 High Protection
- Vaseline Daily Sun Cream SPF 50+
- Vaseline Tone-up Sun Cream SPF 50+
- VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Armada Face and Body Shield 60
- Wardah Acnederm Day Moisturizer
- Wardah Exclusive Liquid Foundation (SPF)
- Wardah Lightening Day Cream
- Wardah Perfect Bright Moisturizer Bright + Oil Control SPF 30 PA+++
- Wardah Perfect Bright Moisturizer SPF 28
- Wardah Perfect Bright Tone Up Cream
- Wardah SPF 30 PA+++ UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel
- Wardah Sun Care Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 PA+++
- Wardah White Secret Day Cream
- We Are Feel Good Inc Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50+
- WM Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
- Yanbal Total Block 100 SPF
- Yanbal Total Block Matt
- Yanbal Total Block Protector Solar SPF 100
- Yanbal Total Block SPF 100 Compact With Color
- Yerma Sun Essence SPF 50 PA+++
- ZOAH Serum
Ref: https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/4-methylbenzylidene-camphor
