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Advocacy Update
Welcome!

American Academy of Dermatology Association praises FDA for approving new sunscreen ingredient

Statement from Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD, President, American Academy of Dermatology

ROSEMONT, Ill. (June 9, 2026) — The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) applauds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approving bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new sunscreen ingredient approved in the United States in more than 20 years.

The AADA believes this approval marks an important public health step by expanding access to safe and effective sunscreens for consumers in the United States and helping save the lives of Americans from skin cancer, one of the most preventable cancers.

Beginning Aug. 9, 2026, sunscreen manufacturers can include bemotrizinol as an active ingredient in sunscreens. Europe approved the ingredient in 2000.

The FDA announcement follows longstanding and ongoing advocacy by the American Academy of Dermatology Association to ensure that U.S. consumers have more options to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The United States still lags behind many other countries that have nearly twice as many approved sunscreen ingredients.

The new sunscreen ingredient approval is largely due to the passage of the SAFE Sunscreen Act of 2025. AAD member Rep. John Joyce, MD, FAAD (R-PA) had an instrumental role in the passage of this legislation by Congress.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is a major cause. Dermatologists recommend protecting your skin by seeking shade, wearing sun protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

The Academy remains committed to supporting and improving patient care. If you have questions about skin cancer and sun protection, partner with a board-certified dermatologist.

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Contact

Shelby Homiston, shomiston@aad.org

Nia Carter, ncarter@aad.org

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 21,500 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube and @AADskin1 on Instagram.