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First new sunscreen type in 25 years arrives in US stores

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 17:33 · Archive

The FDA has approved bemotrizinol, a sunscreen ingredient long used in Europe, for sale in the United States.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) in June, marking the first new sunscreen ingredient approved in the United States in over 25 years. The chemical has long been used in Europe and other parts of the world. Sunscreens containing BEMT are now arriving on American store shelves, including formulas from Neutrogena and other manufacturers.

Dermatologists say the new ingredient fills an important market gap. It offers broad protection against both forms of ultraviolet light that damage skin—UVB rays, which cause most sunburn, and UVA rays, which pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and wrinkles. Sunscreens blocking both forms are labelled 'broad spectrum protection'. BEMT is the first chemical-based sunscreen in the U.S. to offer this dual protection without requiring manufacturers to mix multiple ingredients.

The ingredient has decades of safety data behind it, with studies showing minimal absorption into the skin. Dr Jennifer Stein, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, noted that BEMT avoids cosmetic downsides of established sunscreen chemicals, particularly white streaking. 'It's not a brand-new ingredient that you're going to be the first person to try,' she said.

First new sunscreen type in 25 years arrives in US stores
Image: Clickorlando

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In this story: FDA · Neutrogena · Europe · United States · Dr Jennifer Stein · NYU Langone Health

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