4 things to know about the new sunscreen ingredient the FDA approved

For the first time in nearly three decades, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new chemical UV filter for use in sunscreens sold in the United States. The ingredient, known as bemotrizinol, has been available in Europe and Asia for years and is widely regarded by dermatologists as one of the most advanced sunscreen ingredients currently available.

Experts say the approval represents a major development for skin cancer prevention and could improve the effectiveness, safety and cosmetic appeal of sunscreens sold in the U.S.

Seattle dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers described the decision as a significant milestone, saying the ingredient addresses many of the concerns dermatologists and consumers have had with existing sunscreen formulations.

1. Bemotrizinol protects against both UVA and UVB rays

One of the biggest advantages of bemotrizinol is that it offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.

UVA rays are associated with premature aging, wrinkles and long-term skin damage, while UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn. Both forms of ultraviolet radiation contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Current chemical sunscreens sold in the United States rely heavily on avobenzone for UVA protection. Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos of the University of Cincinnati noted that avobenzone can degrade when exposed to sunlight unless combined with stabilizing ingredients.

As avobenzone breaks down, some users may experience irritation, according to Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group.

Bemotrizinol differs because it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays while remaining highly photostable. This means the ingredient retains its effectiveness longer under sunlight and degrades more slowly.

Dermatologists still recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, but the improved stability may provide more consistent protection between applications.

2. The ingredient has been used internationally for decades

Although the approval is new for the United States, bemotrizinol is not a new substance globally.

The ingredient has been widely incorporated into sunscreens sold throughout Europe and Asia for many years. However, gaining authorization in the United States proved to be a lengthy and expensive process.

Unlike many countries where sunscreens are regulated as cosmetics, the United States classifies them as over-the-counter drugs. This distinction requires manufacturers to provide extensive safety and effectiveness data before new ingredients can be approved.

According to experts, the approval process for bemotrizinol lasted roughly two decades.

DSM-Firmenich, the European company behind the ingredient, reportedly invested more than $18 million and spent over 20 years pursuing FDA approval.

The ingredient will be marketed in the United States under the brand name Parsol Shield, with the first products containing bemotrizinol expected to reach store shelves around September.

DSM-Firmenich also holds exclusive marketing rights for the ingredient in the U.S. for an initial period of 18 months.

3. Extensive testing supports its safety profile

Researchers and consumer advocates say one reason dermatologists are enthusiastic about bemotrizinol is the large amount of scientific data supporting its safety.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the ingredient has accumulated more safety evidence than many of the chemical sunscreen filters currently approved in the United States.

Animal studies have not shown evidence of reproductive toxicity, while clinical studies involving humans demonstrated that repeated use generally does not irritate the skin.

Another notable characteristic is that bemotrizinol molecules are relatively large, limiting their absorption into the bloodstream.

This issue has attracted growing attention in recent years after studies found that several existing sunscreen ingredients can be detected in blood plasma following repeated use. Those findings sparked public debate and widespread misinformation on social media regarding sunscreen safety.

Dermatologists emphasize that the benefits of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer far outweigh concerns surrounding currently approved products.

Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer, making effective sun protection an important public health priority.

Experts believe the strong safety profile of bemotrizinol may help improve consumer confidence and encourage more consistent sunscreen use.

4. New products could look and feel better on the skin

Until now, zinc oxide represented one of the few ingredients available in the United States that combined broad-spectrum protection, stability and minimal absorption.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral sunscreen ingredients that sit on the skin's surface and reflect some ultraviolet rays while also absorbing radiation.

Although highly effective, mineral sunscreens often leave behind a visible white residue, especially on darker skin tones.

Dr. Rogers noted that many people of color find traditional mineral sunscreens difficult to use because they can create an ashy appearance.

Bemotrizinol is transparent when applied to the skin and can achieve broad-spectrum protection without requiring as many additional chemical filters and stabilizers.

Cosmetic chemists believe this flexibility will allow manufacturers to develop lighter, less greasy and more aesthetically pleasing formulations.

Improving texture and appearance may encourage consumers to apply sunscreen more regularly and in sufficient amounts.

Kelly Dobos said creating products that people enjoy using represents a significant opportunity for public health because greater compliance ultimately leads to better protection against skin damage and skin cancer.

As manufacturers begin incorporating the ingredient into future products, dermatologists expect American consumers will soon have access to sunscreen formulations that more closely resemble the advanced options already available in Europe and Asia.