FDA approves first new sunscreen ingredient in 20 years

THE WHAT? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new sunscreen active ingredient to be authorised in the United States in two decades, expanding options for broad-spectrum UV protection.

THE DETAILS  Bemotrizinol has been used in Europe and Asia for years and is widely regarded as one of the most effective sunscreen filters for protecting against UVA rays, which are linked to skin ageing, immune suppression and skin cancer. Unlike some older chemical sunscreen ingredients, BEMT is highly photostable, meaning it does not degrade significantly when exposed to sunlight, and studies indicate it is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream. The approval comes amid ongoing concerns about several commonly used chemical UV filters in the US, which FDA research has shown can be absorbed into the body at levels requiring additional safety review. Industry groups and health advocates welcomed the decision, viewing it as a step toward modernising the US sunscreen market, which has lagged behind Europe and Asia in adopting newer UV protection technologies.

THE WHY? The approval is expected to improve the effectiveness and safety profile of sunscreen products available to US consumers by providing stronger UVA protection, increasing formulation flexibility and encouraging innovation in sun care products as skin cancer rates continue to rise.

Source: CNN

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