Jun 17, 2025 - Health

Sunblocked: The ingredient still missing from U.S. sunscreens

Carly Mallenbaum

Illustration of a pop-art style hand holding a sunscreen bottle over a pool background with bold, colorful graphic elements. — Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios

Dermatologists had hoped that an active sunscreen ingredient popular in Europe would be available in the U.S. by summer — but the Food and Drug Administration still hasn't approved it.

Why it matters: U.S. sunscreens lack some of the advanced UVA protection found in international brands, due to outdated FDA regulations, experts say.

Catch up quick: Bemotrizinol, a sunscreen filter, seemed close to FDA approval late last year.

The FDA, which regulates sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, hasn't approved a new sunscreen filter in over 20 years.
Last year, an FDA spokesperson told Axios that "one manufacturer is working with the FDA to generate the requested data for bemotrizinol," but the agency hasn't shared further detail and didn't respond to Axios' request for comment this year.

What we're hearing: Bemotrizinol — which has been available in sunscreens in other parts of the world for years — is photostable (doesn't break down once exposed to sunlight) and better at protecting against UVA rays than U.S. filters, dermatologist Henry Lim told Axios.

Between the lines: International sunscreens sold in the U.S. — like Korean brands — are often modified or reformulated to meet U.S. regulations.

That can change their ingredients and textures, said Nazanin Saedi, a dermatologist and associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University.

What's next: "The soonest a decision will be made is 2026," Saedi told Axios. "So do not delay in stocking up on your sunscreen for this summer!"

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Sunblocked: The ingredient still missing from U.S. sunscreens

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