PARSOL® Shield Approved by FDA, dsm-firmenich Setting a New Era for U.S. Sun Protection

KAISERAUGST, Switzerland and MAASTRICHT, Netherlands, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, proudly announces the FDA approval of PARSOL^® Shield (bemotrizinol, BEMT) for the U.S. market, making it the first new sunscreen active approved in the United States in more than 25 years under modernized GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) and MUsT (Maximal Usage Trial) evaluation guidelines.

The approval marks a major milestone for sunscreen innovation and public skin health in the United States, 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 (BEMT), involving nearly 500 participants representing the diversity of the U.S. population, demonstrated exceptional UV efficacy, excellent tolerability, and an excellent safety profile.

PARSOL^® Shield (BEMT) helps address real consumer needs, from reducing the risk of skin cancer to protecting against long-term UV-induced skin damage and premature photoaging. 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 (BEMT) 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, Vice President, 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."

The approval reinforces dsm-firmenich's long-standing commitment to public skin health advocacy, including collaborations with regulators, NGOs, legislators, and organizations such as the Skin Cancer Foundation and Destination Healthy Skin initiative.

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About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world's growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for people and the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com
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