FDA approves long-used sunscreen already sold in Israel and Europe after 25-year dela

A sunscreen ingredient that has been used in Europe and Asia since 2000 and is already found in products sold in Israel has been officially approved for use in the US; It protects against UVA and UVB, is photostable and highlights US lag in sunscreen regulation

The FDA approval of bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT, marks the first new sunscreen ingredient to be approved in over 25 years. Bemotrizinol has been widely used in Europe and many countries around the world, including Israel, since 2000. The ingredient protects against UVA and UVB rays and is photostable, meaning it remains effective even after exposure to sunlight. This approval comes after a long delay, with the FDA receiving the initial application for bemotrizinol in 2002.

This FDA approval could lead to an increase in the variety of sunscreens available in the US market, potentially driving down prices for consumers. As a result, consumers may see a decrease in the cost of sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection, making it more affordable for people to protect themselves from skin cancer and other sun-related damage. The approval of bemotrizinol may also lead to the development of new sunscreen products that combine this ingredient with others. This could expand the options for consumers who are looking for effective and affordable sun protection.

The US has lagged behind other countries in approving new sunscreen ingredients, with the last approval occurring in 1997. In contrast, Europe has approved several new ingredients since then, including bemotrizinol, which has been used in European sunscreens for over two decades. This delay has been attributed to the FDA's rigorous testing and approval process, which can take many years to complete. Insiders know that this delay has limited the availability of effective sunscreens in the US, putting consumers at a disadvantage compared to those in other countries.

The FDA's approval of bemotrizinol is expected to boost stocks in the cosmetics industry, particularly for companies that specialize in sunscreen products. Companies such as L'Oreal and Johnson & Johnson may see an increase in sales as they begin to incorporate bemotrizinol into their sunscreen products. The FDA is also expected to review several other new sunscreen ingredients in the coming months, which could lead to further approvals and expansions of the US sunscreen market. One surprising detail is that the FDA's approval of bemotrizinol was made possible by a new law that streamlines the approval process for sunscreen ingredients.