Thailand (all national parks) sunscreen law
Thailand forbids bringing into, or using in, any national park a sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-MBC or butylparaben. It applies to all national parks, including the marine parks around Phuket, Krabi and the Similan and Surin islands. Violators face a fine of up to 100,000 baht.
Last verified October 14, 2026 · Notification of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on prohibiting sunscreen containing coral-harming chemicals in national parks (Royal Gazette, Vol. 138, Special Part 175 Ng, Aug. 3, 2021); under s. 20 of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562 (2019)
Banned ingredients
| Ingredient | Also called | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Oxybenzone | benzophenone-3, benzophenone 3 | UV filter |
| Octinoxate | ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octyl methoxycinnamate | UV filter |
| 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (Enzacamene) | enzacamene, 4-mbc | UV filter |
| Butylparaben | butyl paraben | Preservative |
The details
- The rule bans bringing in and using these sunscreens inside national parks. It is not a nationwide sales ban, so such sunscreens can still be sold elsewhere in Thailand.
- The four named chemicals are oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and butylparaben.
- Penalty: a fine of up to 100,000 baht under sections 20 and 47 of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562.
- Signed June 24, 2021 by the Director-General, published in the Royal Gazette on August 3, 2021, and effective the next day, August 4, 2021.
- Some travel sites also list methylparaben and ethylparaben. They are not in the gazetted notification.
History
- August 4, 2021 · Took effect Sunscreen rule took effect.
We last re-read this law’s sources on October 14, 2026. All law updates →
Sunscreens allowed in Thailand
898 of 988 products we track pass; 77 don’t.Browse all 898 →
Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
By brand
Common questions
What sunscreen ingredients are banned in Thailand?
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (Enzacamene), Butylparaben.
When did the Thailand sunscreen rule take effect?
August 4, 2021.
Which sunscreens are allowed in Thailand?
Of the 988 products we track, 898 meet the Thailand rule. The simplest choice is a sunscreen with only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.