Jane Yoo explains ParsolShield, a new UV filter from DSM awaiting FDA approval. It offers broad-spectrum protection at low concentrations and works well with other filters. The U.S. hasn't approved a new UV filter in over 25 years, but ParsolShield is already used in sunscreens across Australia, Europe, and Asia.
It's well known that the United States has fewer approved UV filters compared to Asia and Europe. With approximately half the number of approved filters as Asia and Europe, the US lags in sun protection innovation. However, there is exciting news. DSM, a leading company in sun care, has developed over a dozen UV filters. One of these, ParsolShield, is nearing approval in the United States. The filter is also marketed as Tenzorb S. ParsylShield is photostable and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA as well as UVB rays at low concentrations. Its formulation ensures good solubility in organic oils, enhancing water resistance. Additionally, it is compatible with both inorganic as well as organic UV filters. By no means is ParsylShield a new filter. It is already an active ingredient in sunscreens produced in Australia, Europe, and Korea. The filter is also approved in Switzerland, China, Mexico, Taiwan, India, and Japan. The FDA is expected to approve ParsolShield as an over-the-counter drug by late 2025. This will mark the first new UV filter approved in the US in over 25 years.
