A sunscreen that blocks the type of ultraviolet radiation linked to some cancers, and which has been available only outside the United States, received federal approval Monday.
Called Anthelios SX, it contains ecamsule, an ingredient better at blocking ultraviolet A, or UVA, radiation than other sunscreen ingredients currently sold in the United States. Those ingredients mainly screen out UVB rays.
UVB has long been associated with sunburn. UVA is recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Doctors suspect a link between UVA exposure and wrinkles, basal and squamous cell cancers and melanoma.
Anthelios SX sunscreen is made by the French cosmetics company L’Oreal SA. It has a sun protection factor or SPF of 15.
The sunscreen contains three active ingredients, including ecamsule or Mexoryl SX. Mexoryl has been included in the company’s sunscreens sold in Canada and Europe since 1993. Some pharmacies in Canada have reported increasing numbers of American buyers of the sunscreen.
“We now have the tools to give U.S. consumers very high UVA protection,” said Alan Meyers, the senior vice president of research and development at L’Oreal USA.
The formula is photo-stable, which means it does not degrade from long sun exposure.
Anthelios will be available without a prescription this fall at certain pharmacies and doctors’ offices.
