FDA OKs first new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years
statnews.com • • business
Key Points:
- The FDA approved bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 25 years, which has been used safely in Europe and other regions since 1999.
- Bemotrizinol offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays without leaving the white residue typical of mineral-based sunscreens, making it suitable for adults and children over six months.
- The ingredient will initially be sold exclusively by DSM Nutritional Products under the brand Parsol Shield, with broader availability to other manufacturers after 18 months.
- This approval follows a streamlined FDA process authorized in 2020 to update sunscreen ingredients, addressing longstanding delays in introducing new sun protection technologies in the U.S.
- The FDA continues to work on updating sunscreen regulations, including measures proposed in 2021 to improve UVA protection and limit SPF claims, though these have yet to be finalized.