A Popular Sunscreen Ingredient Used in Europe Could Be Coming to the US
Americans may soon have access to sunscreens with an ingredient that has been in use in other parts of the world for years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposal to include bemotrizinol, an ultraviolet (UV) light filter, in sunscreens.
According to Moffitt Cancer Center dermatologist Sairekha Ravichandran, MD, the inclusion of bemotrizinol is a positive step forward in ensuring everyone is protected from the harmful rays of the sun.
“Bemotrizinol has been approved in Europe, Australia, Japan and other countries for more than two decades, and it has a steadfast track record for safety and tolerability,” Ravichandran said.
Chemical v. Mineral
There are two main types of UV filters used in sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and can block both UVA and UVB rays. However, those sunscreens can leave a white film on the skin, making chemical filters generally more favorable to consumers.
Besides being more aesthetically pleasing, benefits of the bemotrizinol include less irritation for those with sensitive skin, along with added protection from the sun, Ravichandran says. Bemotrizinol is a chemical broad-spectrum compound that blocks both UVA and UVB rays that cause aging and sunburns, respectively.
“One drawback of some chemical sunscreens we have now is that they can become unstable and break down when exposed to sunlight,” Ravichandran said. “But not bemotrizinol. This is a very stable sun filter that may even help to stabilize other unstable filters when added to a sunscreen formulation.”
According to the FDA, a study found that while some active ingredients in sunscreen may be absorbed into the skin, they do not make the product harmful. Adding bemotrizinol will allow US manufacturers to create safer and easier-to-apply sunscreens to protect users from the sun and prevent the chances of developing skin cancer.
Approval May Target Late 2026
A new sunscreen can be brought to market without an approved drug application if it meets certain requirements. To do so, the FDA must first make a proposal. The proposal must go through a public comment period before the agency issues the final order and adds bemotrizinol to its list of allowed sunscreen ingredients.
It could be late 2026 before the upgraded sunscreen becomes available to U.S. consumers as an over-the-counter product.
Choosing the right sunscreen comes down to personal preference, Ravichandran says. Lotions and gels may feel lighter on the skin while creams are more suited for dry skin. Those who use spray sunscreens should always rub it into the skin after it’s applied liberally in a well ventilated area.
“The ‘best’ sunscreen is the one you will reach for each day and reapply every two to four hours when in the sun,” Ravichandran said. “I always look for two main buzzwords when shopping the sunscreen aisle: broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or higher. Active individuals should also look for water-resistant sunscreens, especially if they are prone to sweating.”
