Experts say new sunscreen ingredient makes them safer

Dermatologists and health experts are praising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval this week of a new active sunscreen ingredient.

Bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT, has been used in sunscreens across Europe and Asia since 1999, but not in the U.S. It was first filed with the FDA in 2005, but was bogged down in an old bureaucratic system, as reported by the Associated Press. A streamlined process authorized by Congress in 2020 helped bemotrizinol become the first new sunscreen ingredient to be approved in over 25 years.

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.

(MORE: Massive waves slam southern California beaches)

"The FDA announcement follows longstanding and ongoing advocacy by the American Academy of Dermatology Association to ensure that U.S. consumers have more options to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays," said Murad ALam, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association. "The AADA believes this approval marks an important public health step by expanding access to safe and effective sunscreens for consumers in the United States and helping save the lives of Americans from skin cancer, one of the most preventable cancers."

Bemotrizinol is unique in that it is a chemical that protects against both ultraviolet A and B rays. The FDA requires all sunscreens to protect against UVB rays, which cause most sunburn, as well as UVA rays that pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and wrinkles.

Currently available chemical-blocking ingredients only protect against one or the other, according to the AP. 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. Bemotrizinol doesn't.

“This is a great day for American consumers and everyone who has fought to improve sunscreen options and close the UVA protection gap in U.S. sunscreens,” said Dr. David Andrews, chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group. “For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward ... This is a win that has been a long time coming."

Bemotrizinol will initially be sold in the U.S. by the Dutch manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products under the brand name Parsol Shield, which is expected to launch later in the year, according to the AP. After an 18-month exclusivity period, the ingredient will be available for use by other manufacturers.

(MORE: Tornado carves through Missouri)