Photo: Catherine Robotis//UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
If you’ve ever smuggled a handful of sunscreen into your luggage from Europe or Asia (raises hand), there’s good news for you: Sunscreens here in the U.S. are now one step closer to being as good as what we get overseas. For the first time in over 25 years, the FDA approved a new ingredient as safe to use in U.S. sunscreens, bemotrizinol.
According to the FDA’s announcement, the chemical UV filter provides protection against ultraviolet A and B rays and has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body. Plenty of countries have had bemotrizinol cleared for safety for decades, but the U.S. — where the sunscreen-regulatory process is notoriously strict — hasn’t approved a new filter since 1999. Now, we’re finally catching up with modern-day sunscreen formulations.
Some cult-classic sunscreens that we love are formulated with bemotrizinol, including the popular J-beauty Bioré UV sunscreen, Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun:Rice + Probiotics sunscreen, and the French-pharmacy-favorite La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400. The FDA’s approval doesn’t mean these will immediately become available in the U.S., but it’s certainly a promising development. Hopefully the next approval doesn’t take another two decades.
Stay in touch.
The latest in style, self, culture, and power in your inbox.
Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice
Related
