The first new sunscreen ingredient approved for use in the U.S. in more than 25 years is now hitting store shelves, offering consumers a new option for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
The FDA approved bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT, in June. Long used in Europe and other countries, the chemical-based ingredient offers strong UV protection, is more stable in sunlight than some older ingredients and has shown minimal absorption through the skin in safety studies.
The development raises timely questions about what this new ingredient means for consumers, how it compares with existing chemical and mineral sunscreens, and what people should know about sunscreen safety and effectiveness.
Adam Friedman is the chair of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences is available to discuss this more.
If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (Katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-