Federal health regulators in the US have approved a new sunscreen ingredient for the first time in over 25 years, introducing a chemical long available in Europe and other global markets. The significant development offers Americans access to enhanced skin protection. The Food and Drug Administration said that bemotrizinol meets its stringent standards for safeguarding against harmful ultraviolet rays, noting its minimal irritation and absorption into the skin. The agency has deemed the ingredient safe for adults and children six months and older. Initially, bemotrizinol will be sold in the US under the brand name Parsol Shield by Dutch manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products, with a launch anticipated later this year. Following an 18-month exclusive period, other manufacturers will be permitted to incorporate the ingredient into their products. The introduction of new sunscreen products in the US has been notoriously slow for decades, hampered by the FDA’s complex system for updating its list of approved non-prescription drug ingredients. Bemotrizinol is the first ingredient to navigate a more streamlined approval process, authorised by Congress in 2020. The …