FDA approves first new sunscreen ingredient in 25 years

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol after a 25-year wait. This marks the first time a sunscreen component has passed through the agency’s streamlined review process, introduced in 2020. The decision expands options for consumers seeking better sun protection. Bemotrizinol will enter the U.S. market under the brand name Parsol Shield, sold initially by DSM Nutritional Products. Unlike many existing sunscreens, it shields against both UVA and UVB rays without leaving a white residue on the skin. The ingredient also causes minimal irritation and is absorbed less by the body, making it safer for daily use.

The FDA’s approval comes as part of broader updates to sunscreen regulations. In recent years, the agency has banned misleading marketing terms and required products to offer balanced UVA and UVB protection. Bemotrizinol’s long-lasting formula addresses a key gap, offering stronger defence that outlasts many current options. After an 18-month exclusivity period, other manufacturers will be allowed to use bemotrizinol in their products. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy highlighted the move as a step forward for innovation and consumer choice. The ingredient is deemed safe for adults and children aged six months and older.

Bemotrizinol’s approval introduces a new standard for U.S. sunscreens, combining broad-spectrum protection with reduced skin irritation. The decision follows years of regulatory adjustments aimed at improving product safety and transparency. Consumers will soon have access to a more effective, longer-lasting option for sun defence.