Written on: August 19, 2026 by SprayTM
dsm-firmenich received approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for PARSOL Shield (bemotrizinol, BEMT) following the recent approval of Bemotrizinol as a sunscreen active ingredient by the FDA.
As the first new sunscreen active approved in the U.S. in more than 25 years under modernized GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe & Effective) and MUsT (Maximal Usage Trial) evaluation guidelines, the approval of Bemotrizinol marks a major milestone for sunscreen innovation and public skin health in the U.S, said the company, helping expand access to next-generation UV protection while opening new possibilities for formulators across the industry.
“PARSOL Shield approval represents an important step forward not only for dsm-firmenich, but for the future of sun protection in the U.S.,” said Parand Salmassinia, Beauty & Care President at dsm-firmenich.
“This milestone reflects years of scientific leadership, regulatory collaboration and commitment to bringing meaningful innovation to consumers.
Clinical studies with PARSOL Shield, involving nearly 500 participants representing the diversity of the U.S. population, demonstrated “exceptional UV efficacy, excellent tolerability and an excellent safety profile.” According to dsm-firmenich, PARSOL Shield helps address real consumer needs, from reducing the risk of skin cancer to protecting against long-term UV-induced skin damage and premature photoaging, noted the company. For formulators, it enables silky, lightweight sunscreen textures with strong photostability and formulation flexibility.
“This approval marks a landmark step for sun protection in the United States,” said Dr. Jochen Klock, Director Global Regulatory Affairs, Beauty & Care at dsm-firmenich.
“It closes a longstanding innovation gap in the U.S. sunscreen market and reflects a modern scientific and regulatory standard that can help expand access to advanced UV protection for American consumers.”
Already approved across multiple global regions, PARSOL Shield also enables the development of global sunscreen formulations that simplify product strategy, reduce formulation complexity and accelerate speed-to-market. Its broad-spectrum protection is a key benefit, while its high efficiency at low concentrations contributes to a strong eco-profile and helps brands address evolving sustainability expectations and reporting requirements.
“Our customers have been waiting for more flexibility and innovation in the U.S. sunscreen market for years,” said Ashley Lebbe, VP, Global Sales Beauty & Care at dsm-firmenich.
“PARSOL Shield opens new opportunities to create future-ready sunscreen solutions with global scalability and elevated consumer experience.”
