FDA passes new sunscreen filter

The food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its first sunscreen filter in almost 20 years.

L'Oréal's US subsidiary announced that it has received approval for a sunscreen containing the patented Mexoryl SX, an organic filter that is said to be extremely effective against short UVA waves.

Mexoryl SX is the first and only sun filter in the US that protects the skin from such waves in a photo-stable form. These short waves, measuring 320-340nm, account for almost 95% of UV radiation on the Earth's surface.

“We are pleased that the FDA has approved L'Oréal USA's use of Mexoryl SX in a new sunscreen formula. We now have the tools to give US consumers very high UVA protection as well as broad sunscreen sun protection. Mexoryl SX is the culmination of many years of research and testing,” said Alan Meyers, senior vice president of research and development, L'Oréal USA.