Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 10 Sep 2026
Also known as: SBBS
Also known as SBBS | Serves as a light stabiliser in cosmetics
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate?
Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate (SBBS) is a synthetic, functional ingredient used in cosmetics to protect light-sensitive compounds, like antioxidants, from degradation within formulas. It works by absorbing both UVA and UVB rays. Because sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate protects formulas from photodegradation, it also helps formulas remain stable and beneficial for longer.
Despite its UV-absorbing prowess, sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate is not a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved UV filter and should not be used as such or viewed by consumers as having equivalency with traditional sunscreen actives. Instead, think of it more as an SPF booster—a supporting player to the superstar filters.
According to suppliers of this ingredient, it appears as a fine powder in raw material form. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate is safe for use in cosmetics at current concentrations and detailed that it's "used at concentrations up to 0.64% in leave-on products (skin fresheners), 0.1% in rinse-off products, and 0.033% in bubble baths."
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
ULProspector, Accessed April 2025, Webpage [https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na/PersonalCare/Detail/75/219318/Tinogard-HS]
-
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, March 2015, pages 1-10 [https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/SBBSul_032015_Final.pdf]
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Two minutes, a few questions, and we’ll point you at what matters — no guesswork.
Take the skin quizRelated Ingredients
Quaternium-95
A conditioning agent with potential UV-protective properties, primarily used in hair and scalp formulations
Red Petrolatum
A petrolatum-based occlusive that seals moisture and supports barrier function
Rutinyl Succinate
A stabilised form of rutin that offers antioxidant protection and UV defence
Sodium …
A versatile mineral compound used for purifying and deodorising action in skincare formulations
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF measures UVB protection, not UVA
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Measures UVB protection, not UVA
Articles About Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
Learn more about this ingredient with our expert guides and articles.
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.