GoKawiil4 things to know about the new sunscreen ingredient the FDA approved
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For the first time in nearly three decades, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new chemical UV filter for use in sunscreens sold in the U.S. And that has many dermatologists cheering.
"This is a very big deal," says Dr. Heather Rogers, a dermatologist in Seattle and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
The new ingredient is called bemotrizinol, and it has several advantages over the chemical sunscreen ingredients previously available in the U.S., Rogers says.
"It hits like really every box for us that we have been waiting for as dermatologists and consumers," Rogers says.
Here's what you need to know about this new ingredient and how it could lead to better sunscreens sold stateside.
1. It blocks both UVA and UVB rays
Rogers says in general, you want to use sunscreens that are broad spectrum, meaning they protect against both UVA rays – the longer wavelengths that cause premature aging and wrinkles – and UVB rays, which lead to sunburns. Both types of UV rays can cause skin cancer.
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