Our long national sunscreen nightmare is almost over
The approval of bemotrizinol is significant because it offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, is more photostable, and can help stabilize other sunscreen filters. Unlike older chemical filters, bemotrizinol is a larger molecule that is less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This is particularly important in the US, where sunscreens have historically underperformed in protecting against UVA rays, which penetrate more deeply into the skin and contribute to long-term skin cancer. For instance, a 2017 study found that out of 20 US sunscreens, only 11 passed Europe's higher standards for UVA protection.
The US sunscreen market has lagged behind other countries, such as those in Asia, Australia, and Europe, which have had access to more effective and elegant formulations for over two decades. Companies like Round Lab, which produces the Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream, have been offering superior products abroad, but have faced challenges in bringing these products to the US market due to regulatory hurdles. The FDA's approval of bemotrizinol could help level the playing field and provide American consumers with better options. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, about half of Americans scored a C or lower on sun safety knowledge, highlighting the need for improved education and access to effective sunscreens.
The introduction of bemotrizinol could also help counter the growing anti-sunscreen movement, which has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok. A survey by the University of Alberta found that 87% of TikTok videos related to sunscreen promoted its use, but 6% of videos spreading misinformation received much higher engagement rates. The approval of bemotrizinol could help alleviate concerns about the safety and effectiveness of chemical sunscreens, and provide consumers with more options to protect themselves from the sun. However, it remains to be seen how quickly bemotrizinol will be incorporated into new sunscreen products and how effective it will be in changing consumer behavior.
Key Takeaways
The FDA has approved bemotrizinol, a new chemical sunscreen filter, for use in the US, marking the first approval since 1999.
Bemotrizinol offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and is more photostable than older filters like avobenzone.
The approval could lead to better sunscreens being available in the US market, potentially changing the way Americans approach sun protection.
The move may help counter the anti-sunscreen movement, which has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by The Verge. Here is a short excerpt for context:
You need a quarter teaspoon for your face alone, a half teaspoon if you include the neck (which you should!) This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent from Verge senior reviewer Victoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they're going to change your life. Opt in for Optimizer here. On TikTok, the tanned youths are explaining why they no longer wear sunscreen. In one video, a young man films himself in the ocean while describing how you can naturally build up a "solar callus" or sun tolerance to getting burned. (You can't.) In another, a young woman confidently states that eating healthy foods full of polyphenols and other antioxidants will help make your body more resilient to sunburn. (Antioxidants help w … Read the full story at The Verge.Read the original at The Verge
