Americans will soon have access to a new sunscreen ingredient that experts say offers strong protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has approved bemotrizinol, marking the first new active ingredient added to over-the-counter sunscreens since the late 1990s. The ingredient has been widely used in Europe and other countries for decades.
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According to the FDA, bemotrizinol provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which can contribute to sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer. The agency also said the ingredient has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body and is considered safe and effective for adults and children 6 months of age and older.
Dermatologists and skin care experts have long pushed for the ingredient’s approval, noting that it is more stable in sunlight than some sunscreen ingredients currently available in the United States. Experts say that stability helps provide longer-lasting protection from ultraviolet radiation.
The FDA said bemotrizinol is the first new sunscreen active ingredient added through a streamlined review process established under the CARES Act. The approval is expected to expand sunscreen options for consumers and increase competition in the U.S. sunscreen market.
Health experts continue to recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, seeking shade during peak sunlight hours and wearing protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.