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SODIUM PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONATE.

Valuable CAS 5997-53-5 / UV ABSORBER, UV FILTER

Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate is a precision, water-soluble organic UV filter primarily formulated to absorb harmful UV-B radiation. As the salt form of Ensulizole, it establishes an invisible protective shield on the skin, safeguarding against cellular damage from sun exposure.

Summary

uv absorber uv filter

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions by selectively absorbing UV-B radiation, precisely within the 280-320 nm range (or 290-340 nm), directly within the upper epidermal layers. It efficiently converts this absorbed energy into heat, preventing UV-B photons from penetrating deeper and causing damage to keratinocytes and their DNA. While providing robust protection against UV-B, its minimal UV-A absorption necessitates its combination with other broad-spectrum UV filters for comprehensive sun defense.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range ≤8%
Optimal

8%

Key findings

  1. 01 The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate, along with its related acid forms, and considers it safe for use as a UV filter at concentrations up to 8.0% in various cosmetic and sun protection preparations.
  2. 02 In the United States, its acid form, Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid), is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen active ingredient at a maximum concentration of 4.0%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Information regarding the dusting propensity or associated thresholds for Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate is not available in the provided research data.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate (Na-PBSA) exhibits superior photochemical stability when compared to its acid form (PBSA). Optimal stability is observed within a pH range of 5 to 8. Formulations should avoid strong acidic environments (pH ≤ 4) and strong alkaline conditions (pH ≥ 12) as these significantly accelerate degradation. The presence of hydrogen peroxide also notably increases its photodegradation rate. Despite these sensitivities, its inherent UV-protective properties are noted to remain stable even under continuous solar exposure.

Synergies

  • avobenzone
  • titanium dioxide
  • zinc oxide
  • Mexoryl
  • Tinosorb

Conflicts

  • strong acidic environments (pH <= 4)
  • strong alkaline environments (pH >= 12)
  • hydrogen peroxide

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
8%
Sensitization risk Unknown

The SCCS has deemed Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate and its related acid safe for use as a UV filter in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 8.0%. In the United States, the FDA approves its acid form, Ensulizole, for OTC sunscreen use at a maximum of 4.0%. There is no specific CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) assessment for the salt form noted in the available data.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate is a valuable, water-soluble UV-B filter, highly effective for daily sun protection, particularly well-suited for oily and normal skin types due to its light feel and specific absorption profile.

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