Press Release
March 9, 2026
March 9, 2026
dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, proudly announces the anticipated FDA approval of PARSOL® Shield for the U.S. market in June 2026, marking a historic milestone in sun care innovation globally. This breakthrough will introduce the first new sunscreen active ingredient approved in the U.S. in over 25 years, setting a new industry standard for broad-spectrum UV protection, formulation flexibility, and public health impact as its foremost and most transformative benefit.
A Win for Public Health and Skin Protection
Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States, with more than two Americans dying from it every hour. With PARSOL® Shield, consumers in the U.S. will have a more empowering offering of protection against skin cancer. It offers a powerful solution in a benefit combination that was not possible beforehand for the U.S. market: it delivers high-performance UVB and UVA protection, helps prevent sun-induced skin damage and premature photoaging, and meets the upcoming FDA requirements for UVA efficacy - including coverage of the critical wavelength between UVB and UVA, all while delivering formulations that consumers would love. This will positively impact consumer sunscreen compliance and will also have a positive impact in reducing the overall risk of skin cancer for the U.S. population.
“PARSOL® Shield is more than a scientific achievement—it’s a public health imperative,” said Parand Salmassinia, President of Beauty & Care at dsm-firmenich. “We are proud to bring this innovation to the U.S. market, empowering consumers with elevated protection and giving brands the tools to lead in sun care advocacy.”
Empowering Brands to Lead in Modern Sun Care
With its exceptional performance at low concentrations, eco-conscious profile, and compatibility with organic and inorganic filters, PARSOL® Shield enables brands to create next-generation sunscreen formulations that are effective, modern, and sustainable. It also offers a modern alternative to Octocrylene and solves a formulation challenge formulators know well - photo-stabilizing Avobenzone – a breakthrough that will be sparking strong interest.
“Advanced, reliable ultraviolet (UV) protection is a necessity for many people,” said James Peterson, global vice president of Care for Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions. “Our partnership with dsm-firmenich has allowed us to offer cutting-edge sun care solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers, emphasizing both sun protection and sustainability. We’re proud to support them in helping shape the future of sun care as their innovative approach aligns with our focus on forward-thinking innovation and the desire to help customers create more modern, impactful, and responsible products.”
Exclusivity and Speed to Market
Once approved, PARSOL® Shield will benefit from 18 months of market exclusivity, giving early adopters a unique opportunity to differentiate their brands with PARSOL® Shield and lead the change in suncare innovation. To support a fast and smooth path to market, dsm-firmenich will provide product samples, technical support, and access to its SUNSCREEN OPTIMIZER™, the state-of-the-art formulation tool that integrates the latest scientific research, regulatory standards, and sustainability requirements, to deliver next-generation UV protection with real-time and eco-friendly recommendations, enabling higher protection with reduced environmental footprint. The Eco UV Score ensures credible, transparent claims — empowering smarter, faster, and greener sunscreen innovation. These resources will help customers accelerate development timelines while ensuring compliance with FDA and USP monograph standards.
Join the Movement for Safer Sun Care
PARSOL® Shield is the result of years of advocacy, collaboration, and scientific innovation. From sponsoring the Skin Cancer Foundation’s “Destination Healthy Skin” roadshow to hosting the “Safer Under the Sun Day” in Washington D.C., dsm-firmenich has been leading the change in promoting public skin health and driving regulatory progress.
As the U.S. prepares to welcome PARSOL® Shield, dsm-firmenich and Univar invite customers to be among the first to bring this innovation to life, shaping the future of sun care and making sun exposure safer for all.
PARSOL® Shield.
Sun Protection. Redefined.
dsm-firmenich
We bring progress to life
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 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.
Beauty & Care Global Marketing Communications
beautycare.communications@dsm-firmenich.com
PARSOL® Shield
Beauty & Care
www.dsm-firmenich.com
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Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to dsm-firmenich’s future performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of dsm-firmenich and information currently available to the company. dsm-firmenich cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance, transaction progress and positions to differ materially from these statements. dsm-firmenich has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The English language version of this press release prevails over other language versions.