Key facts
- The FDA approved bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 25 years.
- Bemotrizinol provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- The ingredient is deemed safe for individuals aged 6 months and older.
- DSM Nutritional Products will market the ingredient as Parsol Shield.
- This approval utilized a streamlined process established by Congress in 2020.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved bemotrizinol, marking the first new sunscreen ingredient to enter the American market in over a quarter-century. This chemical, already in use in Europe and elsewhere, has met FDA standards for efficacy and safety, including minimal skin irritation and absorption. Bemotrizinol will initially be available through DSM Nutritional Products under the brand name Parsol Shield, with broader availability expected after an 18-month exclusivity period. Experts, including David Andrews of the Environmental Working Group, have welcomed the approval, noting that it addresses a long-standing gap in U.S. sunscreen technology. Current U.S. chemical sunscreens often protect against only UVA or UVB rays, requiring combinations for broad-spectrum coverage, while mineral-based options can leave a white residue. Bemotrizinol offers protection against both ray types without the chalky appearance. The approval utilized a streamlined process authorized by Congress in 2020, a significant change from the FDA's previous bureaucratic system for updating drug ingredient lists.