fter being used in Europe, Australia, and Asia for over 25 years, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of bemotrizinol in sunscreens.
What is Bemotrizinol?
Bemotrizinol (bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine), also known as BEMT, is an oil soluble compound that is added to sunscreens to absorb UV rays. It is primarily sold under the trade names Parsol Shield and Tinosorb S. It provides for a clear, lightweight application, without the heavier feel and white cast of mineral sunscreens.
Broad-spectrum in action, absorbing both UVA and UVB rays, it is more photostable than other chemical sunscreens, meaning it lasts longer and does not breakdown as easily.
Another advantage of bemotrizinol is its large molecular size, which may decrease absorption into the bloodstream, an issue that is concerning with other chemical sunscreens currently in use.
Why Did It Take The FDA So Long To Approve It?
In the United States, sunscreens are regulated as drugs by the FDA. In Europe and other parts of the world, sunscreens are considered cosmetics, and are approved with less stringent requirements than those used by the FDA.
Many chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone, avobenzone, benzophenone are absorbed into the skin. Recent studies have suggested they are absorbed through the skin at higher levels than previously thought, and raise blood concentrations higher than previously suspected. In addition to blood, these substances have been detected in human breast milk, amniotic fluid, and urine. While no studies have demonstrated harm from the use of these products, some doctors and researchers are concerned about possible health effects.
Some of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, which can cause developmental abnormalities in children. Endocrine disruptors have also been linked to breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.
While critics of the FDA’s approval process called for a more streamlined approach, the FDA maintained that more data was necessary in approving any new chemical sunscreen. Why? Because they are not designed for occasional use. They are used regularly, often daily over a lifetime, including on children and pregnant women.
Things changed when congress passed the Sunscreen Innovation Act, which paved the way for bemotrizinol to finally be approved in the United States.
Is It Really A Better Option?
So, is bemotrizinol really a better option? It depends on who you ask.
Proponents argue that it has a long history of use in other countries without any apparent negative health effects. Due to its larger molecular size it is less likely to be absorbed, it has a lower incidence of skin irritation, it does not appear to be an endocrine disruptor or exert hormonal effects, and its environmental impact seems to be minimal.
Others are concerned that despite its long history of use, it has not undergone more rigorous testing in other countries, and the full health impact of this chemical sunscreen may not be fully known.
Opponents also say that data is sparse on its ecological impact in diverse marine environments, and a “reef safe” designation is not backed up by a strict legal definition or tight regulation.
Many doctors say that the best sunscreen is the one that people will use, but new concerning data on older chemical sunscreens calls that into question.
For those with concerns about using chemical sunscreens, mineral sunblocks may be the way to go. Zinc oxide is considered one of the safest choices. It sits on the skin surface and reflects (blocks) UV radiation, so that it cannot penetrate the skin. The older formulations of these products were thick and pasty, but newer formulas contain smaller particles that are more comfortable to use. As always, if you are unsure about the best sunscreen option for you, check with your family physician or dermatologist.
If you need assistance determining the best packaging for your sunscreen formulations, please reach out to us. Cosmetic Packaging Resources has been the industry leader for decades, and our professional packaging consultants are always ready to help!