The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bemotrizinol, a new chemical UV filter, marking the first such approval for the U.S. market in over 25 years. This ingredient has been widely used in Europe and Asia since 1999 and is celebrated by dermatologists as a significant advancement for public health. DSM Nutritional Products, a Dutch manufacturer, will initially sell bemotrizinol under the brand name Parsol Shield, with products expected on shelves around September. After an 18-month exclusivity period, other manufacturers will be able to use the ingredient.
Bemotrizinol offers several advantages over previously available U.S. sunscreen ingredients. It provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA (linked to skin cancer and wrinkles) and UVB (causes sunburn) rays, unlike many older chemical sunscreens that necessitate mixing multiple ingredients for comprehensive coverage. Furthermore, bemotrizinol is photostable, meaning it degrades slowly in sunlight, potentially offering protection for four to eight hours compared to the typical two-hour reapplication for other sunscreens. Its larger molecules are minimally absorbed into the bloodstream and it is less likely to cause skin irritation.
Beyond its protective qualities, bemotrizinol addresses cosmetic concerns. It is transparent on the skin, avoiding the white cast often associated with mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide, which can be particularly noticeable on people of color. Experts anticipate this will lead to more aesthetically pleasing and less greasy sunscreen formulations, encouraging consistent use among consumers. The European company DSM-Firmenich reportedly invested at least $18 million over more than two decades to secure FDA approval through a streamlined process authorized by Congress in 2020.
