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US Gets First New Sunscreen Option in Two Decades
9 Jun
Summary
- FDA approved bemotrizinol, a chemical sunscreen, for US use.
- This ingredient offers broad protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- It is safe for adults and children 6 months and older.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved bemotrizinol, a novel sunscreen ingredient, marking the first such approval in nearly twenty years. This chemical sunscreen, already in use in Europe and other nations, provides comprehensive protection by absorbing both ultraviolet A and B rays, unlike mineral sunscreens that act as a physical barrier.
The U.S. now has access to expanded sunscreen options, a move praised by dermatologists and advocacy groups. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda has also pushed for such innovations. Bemotrizinol is deemed safe and effective for individuals aged six months and older, addressing a growing need for better skin cancer prevention in the United States.
This regulatory update follows years of advocacy from consumer groups and lawmakers who sought to modernize the FDA's review processes for sunscreen ingredients. The Environmental Working Group, for instance, had urged the FDA to permit bemotrizinol since 2019. The American Academy of Dermatology also supported the proposal, highlighting its potential to greatly benefit public health.
