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Major Sunscreen Upgrade Now Hitting US Shelves
Newser • • business
Key Points:
- The FDA has approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), a chemical sunscreen ingredient widely used in Europe, allowing its introduction to the US market for the first time in over 25 years.
- BEMT offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, eliminating the need to combine multiple ingredients for comprehensive coverage.
- Unlike mineral-based sunscreens that often leave white streaks and have less appealing textures, BEMT provides effective protection without these cosmetic drawbacks, making it suitable for all skin tones.
- BEMT has minimal skin absorption, addressing safety concerns raised by older chemicals like oxybenzone, which the FDA recently revoked due to high absorption rates.
- The ingredient is also more photostable than alternatives such as avobenzone and shows limited evidence of environmental toxicity, unlike some UV filters banned in certain US states.
