The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen ingredient in the U.S. in over 25 years. The chemical compound, already widely used in Europe and other regions, provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays while minimizing skin irritation and absorption. The approval follows an 18-month exclusivity period for the Dutch manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products, which will market the ingredient under the brand name Parsol Shield. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the decision, stating it would 'increase competition and consumer confidence in sunscreen products.'
Bemotrizinol’s Advantages
The ingredient fills a critical gap in the U.S. market by offering broad-spectrum protection without the white streaks associated with mineral-based sunscreens. Unlike current chemical filters, bemotrizinol is more stable and does not break down as easily in sunlight. The FDA deemed it safe for adults and children aged 6 months and older, citing low absorption levels into the body. Dermatologists note that while other sunscreens may seep into the bloodstream, the health implications remain unclear.
Regulatory and Market Impact
The approval marks the first ingredient to pass through a streamlined FDA process authorized by Congress in 2020. Advocacy groups, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG), have long pushed for stricter sunscreen regulations and praised the move as a step toward closing the UVA protection gap in U.S. sunscreens. The EWG’s David Andrews called it a 'great day for American consumers.' The FDA’s decision is expected to spur innovation and competition in the sunscreen market, offering consumers more effective and stable options.