A new sunscreen ingredient is OK'd for the first time in decades. Here's why doctors are excited
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Americans will soon have a new option for sun protection. The FDA gave the green light to bemotrizinol, the first new ingredient approved for sunscreen in the U.S. in over 20 years. In Minnesota, which has the nation’s second-highest rate of skin cancer, a dermatologist considers this development to be a win for local public health.
Dr. Ingrid Polcari, an associate professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, said the newly approved ingredient combines some of the best features of existing sunscreens and could make daily sun protection easier for many people.
"I'd say it's a pretty big deal," Polcari said. "We've only had a few different types of sunscreen options, and they all have their limitations. So, I think dermatologists agree that this one in particular is exciting because it has some extra advantages.”
Polcari said sunscreen ingredients generally fall into two categories: mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are popular among dermatologists because they are not absorbed into the skin and are less likely to cause irritation. But they can be difficult to apply because they can leave a white residue on the skin that is difficult to rub in.
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Chemical sunscreens typically go on clear, but they can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Some of those ingredients can also be absorbed into the bloodstream, though Polcari said there is no evidence that absorption causes harm.
The newly approved ingredient, bemotrizinol, does not have the pitfalls of the other sunscreen options.
"It doesn't seem to cause irritation in the studies, so we're really excited that this might be a nice option for people with sensitive skin," Polcari said. “The other advantage is that it goes on clear, so it's a bit more elegant. It's not going to be white and pasty."
She noted that another benefit is that the ingredient appears to be more stable in sunlight than many existing sunscreens, which means it may be effective for longer.
While the ingredient has been popular in sunscreens in other countries for years, the delay in the U.S. stems from how sunscreen is regulated. The FDA considers sunscreen to be an over-the-counter medication, while other countries look at sunscreen the same way they might look at cosmetics. That means the U.S. subjects sunscreen to more rigorous safety and health studies before it can be approved.
Dr. Polcari said products containing bemotrizinol could begin appearing on store shelves as soon as September.
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