THE FACT THAT? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new sunscreen active ingredient authorized in the United States in two decades, expanding options for broad-spectrum UV protection.
THE DETAILS Bemotrizinol has been used in Europe and Asia for years and is widely considered one of the most effective sunscreen filters for protecting against UVA rays, which are linked to skin aging, immune suppression and skin cancer. Unlike some older chemical sunscreen ingredients, BEMT is highly photostable, meaning it does not degrade significantly when exposed to sunlight, and studies indicate that it is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream. The approval comes amid ongoing concerns about several chemical UV filters in common use in the U.S., which FDA research has shown can be absorbed by the body at levels that require additional safety review. Industry groups and health advocates welcomed the decision, calling it a step toward modernizing the U.S. sunscreen market, which has lagged behind Europe and Asia in adopting newer UV protection technologies.
THE WHY? The approval is expected to improve the effectiveness and safety profile of sunscreen products available to U.S. consumers by providing greater protection against UVA rays, increasing formulation flexibility, and encouraging innovation in sunscreen products as skin cancer rates continue to rise.
Fountain: cnn
