The U.S. Sunscreen Market Moves After Over 25 Years of Stagnation—What Changes with the Approval of Bemotrizinol

A significant change has finally arrived in the U.S. sunscreen market. On June 9, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added "Bemotrizinol" to the list of active ingredients that can be used in sunscreens. This marks the first addition of a new active ingredient to the U.S. over-the-counter sunscreen system since the late 1990s, with outlets like the Associated Press reporting it as "the first new ingredient in over 25 years."

Bemotrizinol is a UV protection ingredient that has long been used in Europe and Asia. It was reportedly approved in Europe in 1999 and is not an unfamiliar presence for overseas consumers. Despite this, it had not been officially used in the U.S. for a long time. The significance of this approval is not merely the addition of a new ingredient; it addresses the long-standing criticism that U.S. sunscreen regulations have been "lagging behind global trends."

The role of sunscreen is not just to protect against UVB rays that cause skin redness. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are associated with aging and skin cancer risks. A good sunscreen is expected to provide "broad-spectrum protection" against both UVB and UVA. Bemotrizinol is considered a broad-spectrum UV filter that addresses both, and the FDA explains that it has low absorption into the body and minimal irritation. The FDA has positioned it as a safe and effective ingredient for use not only by adults but also by children over six months old.

This ingredient is expected to be introduced in the U.S. market as DSM Nutritional Products' "Parsol Shield." According to the Associated Press, the company has an 18-month exclusivity period, after which other manufacturers will be able to use it. This means that not all sunscreens will change immediately. It may take some time before consumers can routinely choose products containing Bemotrizinol at drugstores.

Nevertheless, this approval is symbolic. In the U.S., sunscreens are treated not as cosmetics but as "OTC drugs," which are closer to pharmaceuticals. Therefore, adding active ingredients required strict data submission and review. While the system prioritizes safety, it has also hindered the introduction of new UV filters, leading to a situation where ingredients commonly used in Europe, Korea, Japan, and Australia were not approved in the U.S.

There has long been dissatisfaction on social media about this "delay." In beauty and skincare communities on Reddit, posts comparing Korean and Japanese sunscreens with U.S. products have pointed out that U.S. formulations often contain older filters. Some users even mentioned buying large quantities of sunscreen during trips to Korea or Japan, indicating a strong interest among U.S. consumers in overseas formulations.

In particular, Asian beauty communities have repeatedly praised Korean and Japanese sunscreens for being "light," "easy to use daily," and "less likely to leave a white cast." Due to the limited choice of ingredients in U.S. sunscreens, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the feel and formulation flexibility. The approval of Bemotrizinol is seen as a response to these complaints.

However, the reaction is not entirely welcoming. On social media, alongside voices saying "finally a step forward," there are also calm questions like "why did it take so long," "what about other modern UV filters," and "when will it be included in products at affordable prices?" The approval of Bemotrizinol does not mean that the U.S. sunscreen market will change overnight to match Europe or Asia.

There is also a group that supports mineral-based sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide already exist as options that protect against both UVA and UVB. However, they can sometimes pose challenges like leaving a white cast or having a heavy texture. The addition of new organic filters like Bemotrizinol could make it easier to create products that are less likely to leave a white cast and have a lighter feel, which is crucial for daily use.

No matter how high-performing an ingredient is, if it feels unpleasant to use, consumers will stop applying it. Sunscreen is a product where not only theoretical protection but also "whether it can be continued" is important. Stickiness, whitening, poor compatibility with makeup, and stinging eyes—such small dissatisfactions can hinder regular use. The significance of this approval is not just the addition of a protective ingredient but also the expansion of design freedom to create more comfortable sunscreens.

The FDA has added Bemotrizinol to the monograph for over-the-counter sunscreens as an ingredient that can be included up to 6%. The applicable forms include lotions, creams, gels, sticks, and sprays. For sprays, manufacturing and packaging conditions are also specified. This means there is potential for future application in various types of products, such as those for the face, body, sports, children, and pre-makeup use.

From a regulatory perspective, this approval is significant. Bemotrizinol is considered the first new ingredient added under the new procedures of the OTC monograph system established by the 2020 CARES Act. This demonstrates that the process of companies applying, the FDA reviewing data, and issuing a final order after a proposed order and public comments is functioning. It can be said that a certain breakthrough has been made in the U.S. sunscreen regulations, which were previously seen as having "no real path to introduce new ingredients."

However, there are points consumers should be aware of. First, even with the introduction of products containing Bemotrizinol, the basic use of sunscreen remains unchanged. Applying a sufficient amount, reapplying after sweating or water exposure, and combining with hats, clothing, and shade remain important. No matter the ingredient, if only a small amount is applied, the expected effect as indicated cannot be achieved.

Second, "new ingredient = optimal for everyone" is not always the case. The suitable product varies depending on skin type, allergies, and usage scenarios. For those with sensitive skin, using it on infants, or those with skin conditions, consulting a doctor or pharmacist as needed is safe. This approval expands choices but does not negate all existing products.

Third, the trend of personally importing popular sunscreens from abroad will not disappear immediately. On social media, while there is anticipation from users who have long favored overseas sunscreens that "more products with similar usability will increase in the U.S.," there is also skepticism that "the formulation for the U.S. market will end up being different." This is because consumers have already experienced that formulations change depending on regulations in each country, even for the same brand.

For the industry, this approval marks the beginning of new competition. During DSM's exclusivity period, the company's developments will be in the spotlight, but the real focus will be on how major skincare companies and drugstore brands move afterward. Will it be included only in high-priced premium products, or will it also spread to products at everyday price points? For consumers, this will be the most tangible point.

The Environmental Working Group has long argued that the U.S. sunscreen market has been delayed in accessing modern UV filters. They also view this approval as a step toward closing the gap between U.S. consumers and overseas markets. However, the group also states that updates to overall sunscreen regulations, such as strengthening UVA protection and improving safety standards, are still necessary.

Expert comments introduced by the Associated Press reflect the same awareness of the issue. U.S. consumers have had to rely on outdated sunscreen technology for years. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, more diverse UV filters have been used, and lighter, easier-to-apply products have become widespread. The approval of Bemotrizinol does not instantly close this gap, but at least it sets a precedent that "new filters can be approved in the U.S."

Summarizing the reactions on social media, this news evokes three emotions. One is the welcome of "finally here." The second is the frustration of "why couldn't this have been done sooner." The third is the practical interest in "whether it will really become a user-friendly product." The points of interest are wide-ranging, not only for beauty enthusiasts but also for skin cancer prevention, children's sun protection, outdoor activities, sports, and pre-makeup skincare.

Bemotrizinol is not a "magic ingredient" for the U.S. sunscreen market. However, in terms of creating a breakthrough in a long-stagnant system, this approval is indeed significant. For consumers, it increases options; for manufacturers, it broadens formulation possibilities; and for regulators, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new system.

Sunscreen is becoming a part of everyday health habits, not just for summer. Therefore, products that are safer, easier to use, and more sustainable are in demand. The new UV filter approved in the U.S. for the first time in over 25 years is not merely an addition of an ingredient but holds the potential to support the very act of "using sunscreen every day."

The future focus will be on when, at what price range, and with what usability products containing Bemotrizinol will hit the market. And whether this will spur the review of other modern UV filters. Whether the expectations that have been building up on social media will actually materialize as products on drugstore shelves. The changes in the U.S. sunscreen market have only just begun.

Source URL

Las Vegas Review-Journal article "FDA OKs first new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years"
https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/health/fda-oks-first-new-sunscreen-ingredient-in-more-than-25-years-3835636/

Associated Press: Article with the same content as the original. Used to verify the approval overview, the first new ingredient in over 25 years, Parsol Shield, and the 18-month exclusivity period.
https://apnews.com/article/sunscreen-fda-bemotrizinol-ingredient-uva-protection-9b9c7e04b418b3c9c1fbaa7ddabade25

FDA official announcement: Used to verify the addition of Bemotrizinol to the list of active ingredients for over-the-counter sunscreens, UVA/UVB protection, low absorption, GRASE evaluation, and use for those over six months old.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-sunscreen-options-first-time-20-years

Federal Register: Used to verify the final order of OTC Monograph M020, maximum 6% inclusion, applicable forms, and procedural details.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/10/2026-11578/amending-over-the-counter-monograph-m020-sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use-and

Reuters: Used to verify the FDA approval news, DSM Nutritional Products' application, maximum 6% inclusion, and positioning as an over-the-counter sunscreen ingredient.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/fda-expands-sunscreen-options-with-first-new-ingredient-since-1990s-2026-06-09/

EWG: Used to verify the argument that the U.S. sunscreen market has been delayed in introducing modern UV filters, and evaluations regarding UVA protection and consumer choices.
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2025/12/fda-proposes-approval-long-sought-sunscreen-ingredient

FDA consumer page: Used to verify basic information on sunscreen and the FDA's regulation of over-the-counter sunscreens based on safety and efficacy standards.
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun

Reddit / r AsianBeauty: Used to verify the comparison between U.S. formulations and Korean/Japanese sunscreens, consumer dissatisfaction with the age of U.S. UV filters, and the context on social media.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/1t15eqr/i_compared_the_uv_filters_in_8_sunscreens_5/

Reddit / r KoreanBeauty: Used to verify dissatisfaction with U.S. sunscreens and the consumer psychology of choosing overseas sunscreens.
https://www.reddit.com/r/KoreanBeauty/comments/1lvv0fv/for_those_of_us_in_the_us_ordering_skincare/