FDA Approves Bemotrizinol, First New Sunscreen Ingredient in 25 Years

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bemotrizinol, a new sunscreen ingredient, after a 25-year wait. This marks the first time a sunscreen component has passed through the agency’s updated approval process, introduced in 2020. The move has been welcomed by health officials as a step forward for sun protection innovation. Bemotrizinol will first be sold in the U.S. by DSM Nutritional Products under the brand name Parsol Shield. After an 18-month exclusivity period, other manufacturers will also be able to use the ingredient in their products.

The FDA’s decision follows years of gradual updates to sunscreen regulations. These include banning misleading marketing terms and requiring all products to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Bemotrizinol meets these standards while offering longer-lasting protection, as it resists breakdown from sunlight better than existing options. Experts highlight its broad-spectrum defence without leaving white streaks on the skin. It is also considered safe for adults and children aged six months and older, with minimal irritation or absorption. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy praised the approval, calling it a boost for public health and sunscreen development. The ingredient’s arrival fills a gap in the U.S. market, where few new sunscreen filters have been introduced in decades. Its approval comes after a streamlined review process designed to accelerate access to advanced sun protection technologies.

Bemotrizinol will enter the market under DSM’s Parsol Shield brand before becoming widely available. Its long-lasting UVA and UVB protection, combined with low irritation risk, addresses key demands in sun safety. The FDA’s decision reflects ongoing efforts to modernise sunscreen standards and expand consumer choices.