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With record temps and dry spells already hitting many Americans, it’s time to stock up on sunscreen for the summer. The only problem?
It turns out that the active ingredients in conventional sunscreen may cause a host of health problems by disrupting natural hormonal systems. It’s why doctors advise pregnant women to avoid these products and why many health-conscious consumers are looking for better options. Add to that the 2021 headlines when several major drugstore sunscreen lines were pulled from shelves due to the discovery that the products contained a carcinogen, and American consumers have plenty of reasons to be suspicious of many sunscreens on today’s market.
The good news is that the Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new active ingredient for sunscreen. Bemotrizinol is the first addition to the list of approved sun-protecting options in decades. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. touted the addition as a win for the Make America Healthy Again movement, citing bemotrizinol’s use in Europe — notorious for consumer protection laws — for decades.
In fact, until now, there were only two sun-protecting agents that the FDA had enough data on to recognize as safe, with other “approved” ingredients in a gray area of consumer safety. While most sunscreens are chemical sunscreens and rely on these dubious active ingredients, the sunscreens designed as truly safe are mineral sunscreens. These more natural sunscreens rely on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin to block the sun’s UV rays before they hit the skin’s surface, while chemical sunscreens soak into the skin to absorb UV rays.
Similar to these mineral ingredients, bemotrizinol blocks the sun’s rays from the skin’s surface, with reportedly only minimal skin absorption . The ingredient also has evidence to suggest that it’s effective at blocking both UVA and UVB rays, unlike many other sunscreens, and while UVB is the oft-cited source of skin cancer, UVA rays can also damage and age the skin and penetrate deeper than UVB rays.
Existing studies suggest that bemotrizinol is non-carcinogenic, does not cause reproductive harm, and does not irritate skin. Not to mention that Europe’s own use of the ingredient presents years of data on human use. However, it’s taken decades to get the FDA stamp of approval, largely because of government bureaucracy. Today, Europe has more than double the number of approved sunscreen active ingredients as the U.S. And even as the MAHA movement works to cut through the red tape and corruption to make way for “gold star science,” it will take longer still for the U.S. market to catch up and new sunscreens to arrive for summer.
But if you’re looking for a MAHA-approved option in the meantime, there are hundreds of mineral sunscreen options for everyday application and sport uses for all skin types and even extra-sensitive baby skin . From tinted moisturizers, lip balms, and heavy-duty beach creams, there’s a MAHA-approved sunscreen for every occasion.
Even in drugstores, many popular brands offer a mineral option. These products are clearly labeled as “mineral” based, and reading the back label should reveal zinc oxide as the active ingredient blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Because these ingredients sit on top of the skin, the result can be a cakey application, or a ghostly appearance if used on tanned or darker skin, so it can take a little trial and error to find one that applies smoothly. But even for darker-skinned individuals, being mindful of sun exposure can help prevent the appearance of aging , leading several brands to also sell tinted options that more seamlessly blend into skin.
And just like conventional chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen is still worthless if not applied — and reapplied — appropriately. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30 once every two hours, after exiting water, or as recommended on the bottle. Applying an even layer and not skimping on coverage will create a protective barrier, especially if using an aerosolized product that can spray on unevenly .
All that said, sometimes the best prevention is simply avoidance. Sticking to the shade or wearing thin, breathable long sleeves or loose pants — alongside a stylish sunhat or a fishing hat — are easy ways to ditch the sunscreen woes poolside, on the porch, or on a summer hike.
Of course, the sun cannot be avoided at all times, and natural light is key for synthesizing vitamin D, regulating our wake-sleep cycles, and producing serotonin. But as one of my fairer-skinned family members discovered as an adult, sunburn from decades ago can cause skin cancer later in life that has to be painfully cut out. So, this year, I’m joining him in catching a few rays before heading into the shade to enjoy th…
Read the full article at The Daily Wire →📄Source document: Food and Drug Administration→8 reports
The Daily WireIndependentCenter6 days agoThe article discusses concerns over traditional sunscreen ingredients and highlights the recent approval of a new sunscreen ingredient, bemotrizinol, by the FDA. It mentions the potential health risks associated with conventional sunscreens, references past recalls of drugstore brands due to carcinogens, and cites HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of the new ingredient.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on health and safety information regarding sunscreen ingredients without taking a clear ideological stance. It presents facts about the FDA's approval of a new ingredient and mentions concerns raised by health professionals, but does not exhibit overtly biased language or one-sid
The HillIndependentCenter6 days agoThe FDA has approved the first new sunscreen filter in over two decades, bemotrizinol, which is already available internationally. This approval marks a significant development for the sunscreen industry in the United States.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a regulatory decision by the FDA regarding a new sunscreen ingredient. It presents factual information without apparent ideological framing, emphasizing the novelty of the approval and its international availability. There is no discernible bias in the language or emphasis.
STAT NewsIndependentCenter6 days agoCalifornia legislator Jesse Gabriel has introduced several laws targeting harmful additives in ultra-processed foods. His efforts include the California Food Safety Act, which banned certain additives linked to health risks, and more recently, legislation banning additional artificial food ingredients. Despite criticism, including being nicknamed the 'Skittles ban,' the laws have led to regulatory actions by the FDA.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legislative actions and their outcomes without overtly favoring any political perspective. It includes direct quotes from the legislator and mentions both the legislation and subsequent FDA actions, providing balanced context.
Official sources cited
- government California Food Safety Act
- government FDA actions on food additives
ReasonIndependentCenter10 days agoThe FDA recently approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), a new sunscreen ingredient, after over 25 years of regulatory delay. BEMT provides broad-spectrum UV protection and has been available in Europe and other regions since 2000. The approval allows the ingredient to be sold in the U.S. starting August 9, exclusively by manufacturer DSM, with other companies able to sell it after 18 months.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses the FDA's approval of a new sunscreen ingredient without taking a clear stance on the regulatory process or political implications. It presents facts about the timeline and availability of the ingredient without overtly favoring any side.
Official sources cited
- organisation National Geographic
- organisation The Hill
CBS News (US)IndependentCenter11 days agoThe FDA has approved a sunscreen ingredient for sale in the United States after years of regulatory delay, making available a product that has long been authorized in Europe, Japan, and South Korea.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports a regulatory approval without advocacy or partisan framing, presenting the facts straightforwardly.
Official sources cited
- government FDA Release
- government Congressional Authorization (2020)
STAT NewsIndependentCenter11 days ago FDA OKs first new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 yearsFederal health regulators approved the first new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market in over 25 years. The ingredient, bemotrizinol, has been used in Europe and other regions and meets safety standards set by the FDA. It will initially be sold by DSM Nutritional Products under the brand name Parsol Shield. Experts note that this approval addresses a gap in the U.S. market by offering protection against both UV A and B rays without leaving visible residue.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the FDA's approval of a new sunscreen ingredient without apparent ideological framing. It includes details about the ingredient's benefits, regulatory process, and expert opinions without showing clear bias toward any political perspective.
The HillIndependentCenter12 days ago FDA approves first new sunscreen ingredient in more than 20 yearsThe FDA approved bemotrizinol as a new sunscreen ingredient, marking the first addition to the list of permitted active ingredients since the late 1990s. The ingredient offers protection against both UV A and B rays and has low skin absorption. The FDA deems it safe and effective for use in sunscreens by adults and children aged six months and older. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the approval advances innovation in the sunscreen market. The decision aligns with a September report from the Trump administration’s Make America Health Again Commission, which recommended promoting FDA-
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a scientific and regulatory development regarding sunscreen ingredients without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents facts about the FDA's approval process and includes quotes from officials without apparent ideological framing.
Official sources cited
- government FDA Release
- government Make America Health Again Commission Report
NBC NewsIndependentCenter12 days agoThe FDA has approved the sunscreen ingredient bemotrizinol, which has been widely used in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. This marks the first addition to the FDA's approved sunscreen ingredients in over 20 years. Bemotrizinol acts as a broad-spectrum UV light filter, blocking both UVA and UVB rays, unlike many existing chemical sunscreens in the U.S., which typically only block one type of ray. The approval is expected to provide consumers with a more stable and effective option for sun protection.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the FDA's approval of a new sunscreen ingredient without taking a stance on the issue. It explains the technical aspects of the ingredient and its benefits compared to existing options, presenting the information neutrally.
Official sources cited
- organisation American Academy of Dermatology
- organisation Skin Cancer Foundation
United States