FDA approves first new sunscreen ingredient in 25 years

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The FDA has approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years, and dermatologists say it could change the way people protect their skin.

The ingredient is called bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT. While it has been used in Europe for years, it has not been available in the U.S. market. Some in the medical field say the U.S. has fallen behind on sunscreen options because the FDA approval process can be slow.

Dr. Rosalyn George is a dermatologist at Wilmington Dermatology. She says that although people are still encouraged to wear sunscreen and reapply frequently, there are barriers that keep people from protecting their skin.

One of the biggest barriers to sunscreen use is how current products on the market feel or look. Some sunscreens can be too thick, greasy or leave a white cast on the skin.

Dr. George says BEMT is designed to be more “cosmetically elegant,” going on lighter, not leaving a white cast and blending better than many existing formulas.

“This is one of those things you’re gonna try, and you’re gonna like it,” said Dr. George. “Every time I go to Europe, I’m bringing sunscreen back because they have such better sunscreens. This is the first one that we’ve had that really, I think, is gonna fit the bill where it goes on and really doesn’t feel like you’re wearing something.”

She noted that because BEMT is a larger molecule, it is less likely to absorb into the skin, a concern some people have about existing sunscreen chemicals, and is very effective at filtering UVA rays, which are linked to skin aging.

According to Dr. George, the approval could help address a long-standing public health problem.

“I’m really so excited, people complain about sunscreen all the time, and we’re just not great at using it,” Dr. George said. “If people have an ingredient they feel is safe, and they actually want to use it, I’m hopeful we’ll see people do better with sunscreen, and make a dent in this epidemic of skin cancer we’re seeing.”

She says the standard sunscreen advice remains the same: broad-spectrum, at least SPF 30, and reapply often.

Sunscreens containing BEMT are expected to hit store shelves later this year. A brand called Parsol is listed as the first to carry the ingredient.