The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bemotrizinol, a new ingredient for over-the-counter sunscreens, marking the first addition to the list of permitted active ingredients in more than two decades.
Key Takeaways
The FDA has approved bemotrizinol, a new sunscreen ingredient, for the first time in over two decades. This addition aims to enhance protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Bemotrizinol is recognized as safe and effective by the FDA for adults and children aged 6 months and older
- The ingredient has been used safely in Europe for decades
- Parsol Shield will have an 18-month exclusivity period before other manufacturers can use it
- Experts believe this approval will improve sunscreen options and consumer confidence
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▼Source Claims Check
High ConsensusAll 3 publishers report consistent facts across 3 key claims.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approval Status | Broad Agreement | FDA approved bemotrizinol for use in sunscreens | |
| Age Restriction | Broad Agreement | Safe for adults and children 6 months and older | |
| Exclusivity Period | Broad Agreement | 18-month exclusivity period for Parsol Shield |
Approval Status
Broad AgreementFDA approved bemotrizinol for use in sunscreens
Age Restriction
Broad AgreementSafe for adults and children 6 months and older
Exclusivity Period
Broad Agreement18-month exclusivity period for Parsol Shield
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According to multiple reports, bemotrizinol is considered Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) by the FDA. The approval allows up to 6% concentration of the ingredient in sunscreen products for adults and children aged 6 months and older. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the decision, stating that "bemotrizinol has been used safely in Europe for decades, and FDA's action will increase competition and consumer confidence in sunscreen products."
Experts highlight that bemotrizinol offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Amank Jambhekar, a melanoma surgical oncologist told HuffPost, that the ingredient is photostable, meaning it doesn’t break down easily in sunlight. As it’s oil-soluble, it dissolves in oil rather than water, making it easy to spread across the skin. It also has low skin absorption and is suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Currently available chemical-blocking ingredients only protect against one or the other. Companies generally mix the chemicals in combination to achieve 'broad spectrum protection.' Mineral-based ingredients, including zinc oxide, block both UVA and UVB but leave a chalky white residue.
How this summary was created
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