FDA Approves First New Sunscreen Ingredient in 20 Years

The Food and Drug Administration expanded its list of allowed sunscreen ingredients to include the chemical compound bemotrizinol.

This marks the first time in more than 20 years the FDA has permitted a new compound onto its over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen monograph. Bemotrizinol has been marketed as a sunscreen ingredient in Europe and in countries around the world for years.

Bemotrizinol is a UV light filter, meaning it blocks out harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

To protect against sunburn and damaging rays that contribute to skin aging and wrinkles, sunscreen filters need to be broad-spectrum, blocking UVA and UVB rays. Both UV rays contribute to skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

UV filters come in two formats: mineral or chemical. The mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are able to block both UVA and UVB rays but often leave a white cast. Chemical filters available in the U.S. protect against either UVA or UVB, so they often contain a mix. These chemical filters break down in the sun, so they need to be reapplied regularly.

Bemotrizinol provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is more stable than current chemical options and has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body. The FDA considers bemotrizinol to be generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) for use in sunscreens by adults and children 6 months of age and older.

Now that the ingredient has been approved, U.S. sunscreens can begin to match the effectiveness of those abroad. Soon practitioners will be able to offer better solutions to prevent sun damage, protect against skin cancer and preserve aesthetic results.