Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburn and speed up skin ageing, so people use sunscreen to protect their skin. Bemotrizinol is a chemical filter used widely in Europe and Asia that absorbs UVA rays and blocks UVB rays, covering both main types of harmful UV radiation.
Recently the Food and Drug Administration approved bemotrizinol for use in the United States. That approval means the ingredient can be added to sunscreens sold in the US, although manufacturers must decide how and when to incorporate it into their products.
Michael Kwa, an assistant professor of dermatology, co-wrote a 2022 paper that noted a gap between ingredient availability abroad and in the US. Kwa said the FDA decision bolsters public safety by bringing the ingredient into the US regulatory framework. Consumers and health professionals may watch product labels for bemotrizinol.
Difficult words
- ultraviolet — type of light from the sun
- sunscreen — cream or lotion that protects skinsunscreens
- ingredient — one part of a product or medicine
- approval — official agreement that allows use
- manufacturer — company that makes products to sellmanufacturers
- bemotrizinol — chemical sunscreen filter that blocks UV rays
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you choose a sunscreen with new ingredients like bemotrizinol? Why or why not?
- How important is it for a sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB? Explain.
- When you buy skincare products, do you check the ingredient label? Why?
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