Popular Sunscreen Ingredient in Europe and Asia Gets FDA Approval
Key Takeaways:
• FDA approves bemotrizinol as first new U.S. sunscreen ingredient in over 25 years
• Used in Europe and Asia, bemotrizinol offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with high photostability and low skin absorption
• Experts recommend SPF 30 sunscreen reapplied every two hours along with consistent use for skin cancer prevention
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the use of a sunscreen ingredient that has been in use in other parts of the world for years.
Bemotrizinol, an ultraviolet (UV) filter, is the first new sunscreen ingredient approved by the FDA in more than 25 years, following the agency’s proposal for approval late last year.
“The FDA approval of bemotrizinol is an important advance for skin cancer prevention. This ingredient has been used safely in other parts of the world for many years and offers strong, stable protection against ultraviolet radiation,” said Rogerio Neves, MD, PhD, a reconstructive surgeon in Moffitt Cancer Center’s Cutaneous Oncology Department.
Neves says while no sunscreen ingredient alone is a substitute for comprehensive sun protection, expanding the tools available to consumers is a positive step toward reducing the burden of melanoma and other skin cancers.
What Is Bemotrizinol?
Bemotrizinol is a broad-spectrum UV filter used in sunscreen formulations. It protects against both UVA and UVB radiation, which contributes to skin aging, sunburn and the development of skin cancer. Neves says a major advantage is that it combines strong UV protection with excellent safety and tolerability.
Bemotrizinol also has very low skin absorption and can be incorporated into formulations that people are more likely to use consistently.
What Is a Sun Filter?
A sunscreen ingredient is considered photostable when it maintains its protective effect after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Some UV filters gradually break down when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, reducing their effectiveness.
Neves says bemotrizinol is highly photostable, meaning it continues to provide reliable protection during sun exposure and can also help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients within a formulation.
Should You Look for Bemotrizinol When Choosing Sunscreen?
Neves says consumers should view bemotrizinol as an important new option but not as the only marker of good sunscreen. The effectiveness of sunscreen depends on the entire formulation and, most importantly, whether it is used correctly and consistently.
Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, applied about 15 minutes before going outdoors. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently when swimming or sweating.
Commonly missed areas include the ears, lips, scalp (especially along the part line or uncovered areas), the tops of the feet and hands, and the skin around the eyes.
