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Decades Wait Over: FDA Approves Novel Sunscreen Ingredient
9 Jun
Summary
- FDA approved a new sunscreen ingredient after 25 years.
- Bemotrizinol offers broad UV protection without white residue.
- Ingredient has been used in Europe since 1999.
Federal regulators have approved bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market in over 25 years. This chemical, extensively used in Europe since 1999, has finally met FDA standards for safety and efficacy against dangerous ultraviolet rays. It offers protection from both UVA and UVB radiation without leaving the white streaks associated with mineral-based sunscreens.
The approval signifies a major advancement for U.S. consumers who have long awaited updated sunscreen technology. Bemotrizinol will initially be available under the brand name Parsol Shield, with broader availability expected after an 18-month exclusivity period. This development comes after a streamlined regulatory process authorized by Congress in 2020, which aimed to overcome decades of bureaucratic hurdles.
The FDA has been working to update sunscreen regulations, previously banning misleading terms like 'waterproof' and requiring broad-spectrum protection. While further measures for SPF and UVA protection were proposed in 2021, the inclusion of bemotrizinol marks a critical step forward in ensuring Americans have access to advanced sun protection options.
