FDA Greenlights Bemotrizinol: The First New Sunscreen Ingredient in Over a Quarter Century
In a groundbreaking advancement for public health and skincare, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially gave the green light to bemotrizinol (BEMT) on June 9, 2026. This marks the debut of the first new sunscreen active ingredient approved for use in the United States in over 25 years. Known by its forthcoming brand name Parsol Shield, marketed by Dutch manufacturer DSM-Firmenich, this chemical has been a staple in Europe, Australia, and Asia since 2000 but had been awaiting FDA approval since 2002.
Experts highlight that bemotrizinol brings significant improvements over currently available filters. It is highly photostable, ensuring it won’t degrade in sunlight unlike avobenzone, and offers superior broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Importantly, it leaves no white cast, making it a more suitable choice for users with deeper skin tones. The FDA has also sanctioned its use in children as young as 6 months old, marking it as the first chemical UV filter approved for infants.
The American Academy of Dermatology hailed this as “a significant stride in public health” in the fight against skin cancer. Research indicates that most U.S. sunscreens currently provide only about 24% of the UVA protection their SPF labels suggest. Manufacturers are set to begin incorporating bemotrizinol into their formulas starting August 9, 2026, with DSM-Firmenich enjoying an 18-month exclusivity period before other brands can follow suit.
Source: US News Health – June 10, 2026