For the first time in more than 20 years, the FDA has approved a new sunscreen ingredient for use in the United States: bemotrizinol, a broad-spectrum UV filter that has been widely used in Europe and other countries for decades.
The approval comes amid ongoing public confusion about sunscreen safety, the spread of sunscreen misinformation on social media, and growing concerns about skin cancer rates. This development offers an opportunity to explain what the new ingredient does—and what it does not mean—for consumers.
"The most important thing consumers should understand is that the best sunscreen is the one they will use consistently and reapply appropriately,” Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “This approval expands options for consumers and may help improve confidence in sunscreen products, but it doesn't change the fundamental message that protecting your skin from UV radiation is critical."
Dr. Friedman is available to discuss
- Why the FDA's approval of bemotrizinol is a significant milestone for sunscreen innovation in the U.S.
- How bemotrizinol differs from existing sunscreen ingredients and why its stability matters for UV protection.
- What consumers should know about chemical versus mineral sunscreens.
- The science behind sunscreen ingredient absorption and what researchers know about safety.
- How misinformation about sunscreen safety can discourage use and increase skin cancer risk.
- Why consistent sunscreen use remains one of the most effective tools for preventing skin cancer and premature skin aging.
If you would like to schedule an interview please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum at katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-