Elyria, Ohio – Congressman Bob Latta is praising a major change in federal sunscreen policy after the Food and Drug Administration approved bemotrizinol for use as an active ingredient in over-the-counter sunscreen products.
The FDA’s decision marks the first time in more than 20 years that a new active ingredient has been added to the agency’s over-the-counter sunscreen monograph. Supporters of the move say it could give American consumers access to more modern sunscreen choices that have already been used in products in other parts of the world.
Latta, who represents Ohio’s 5th Congressional District, welcomed the announcement and described it as an important step toward improving access to innovative skin protection products.
“FDA’s announcement in adding bemotrizinol to a list of permitted sunscreen active ingredients is a significant step forward in expanding access to innovative sunscreen products for American consumers. For too long, the FDA’s approval process prevented new sunscreen ingredients that are widely used around the world from becoming available in the United States. The reforms included in the OMUFA Act helped modernize the review process, and this decision demonstrates the importance of continuing to advance innovation while ensuring consumers have access to safe and effective products,” said Latta.
New approval follows changes to FDA review process
The decision comes after years of debate over whether the FDA’s system for reviewing sunscreen ingredients was moving too slowly.
Latta has repeatedly argued that the agency needed a more modern process that could evaluate new ingredients efficiently while continuing to protect consumers.
In July 2025, he introduced bipartisan legislation known as the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments, or OMUFA. The measure was designed to renew the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee Program, which supports the federal review of nonprescription medicines and related products.
The legislation later became law in November 2025 as part of a continuing resolution.
According to supporters, the program gives the FDA additional resources to review over-the-counter drug ingredients and helps create a clearer path for updating product standards. Latta said the approval of bemotrizinol shows why those reforms were needed.
The change does not mean every sunscreen containing bemotrizinol will automatically appear on store shelves immediately. Manufacturers will still need to meet federal requirements for safety, labeling, production, and marketing before selling products to consumers.
Latta continues push for sunscreen innovation
As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Latta has made sunscreen regulation one of the issues he has raised in discussions about the FDA’s broader review process.
During a recent committee hearing, he called attention to the long gap between approvals of new sunscreen ingredients and urged the agency to improve its framework.
Supporters of the FDA announcement argue that allowing bemotrizinol could encourage competition and expand the number of sunscreen options available to American families.
The approval also reflects a larger effort to update federal rules for over-the-counter medicines and make it easier for useful products to reach consumers without weakening safety standards.
For Latta, the decision represents both a policy victory and a sign that recent changes to the review process are beginning to produce results. He said continued reform will be important as lawmakers and regulators work to balance product innovation with strong consumer protections.
