Press Release
October 19, 2026
Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), Maastricht (Netherlands) -October 19, 2026-
dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health and beauty, today announced that its sun protection ingredient, PARSOL® Shield, has been named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 in the Beauty category. The first new sunscreen active ingredient to be approved by the FDA in more than 25 years, PARSOL® Shield highlights the potential of next-generation sun protection to advance public skin health in the U.S.
"Being named among TIME's Best Inventions is a proud moment for our teams who have worked to bring better sun protection to U.S. consumers," said Parand Salmassinia, President, Beauty & Care at dsm-firmenich. “Based on years of scientific research and deep consumer expertise, "PARSOL® Shield combines advanced UV protection with lightweight, elegant textures that consumers enjoy using every day. By making sun protection something people actually want to wear, we can turn scientific innovation into better well-being and a lasting contribution to public skin health."
About TIME’s Best Innovations
Each year, TIME's Best Inventions list selects 300 innovations from across every industry and category. It is one of the most prestigious global recognitions for innovation, with inventions earning a place for their originality, effectiveness, ambition, and impact on everyday life.
About PARSOL® Shield
PARSOL® Shield is the first new sunscreen active ingredient cleared for the U.S. market in a generation. For decades, U.S. sunscreen formulators have worked with a narrower set of UV filters than their peers in Europe and Asia. PARSOL® Shield changes that. A photostable, highly efficient broadband UVA and UVB filter that performs at low concentrations, it contributes to a strong eco-profile for suncare brands and ensures reliable protection.
PARSOL® Shield is backed by clinical studies involving nearly 500 participants, reflecting the diversity of the US population, in which it demonstrated exceptional UV efficacy and tolerability, and an excellent safety profile.
The impact reaches well beyond the formulation lab
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, in the U.S., more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, yet U.S. adoption of sun-safe habits remains low. PARSOL® Shield helps expand access to advanced broad-spectrum sun protection in formats people enjoy using every day, supporting protection against UV-induced skin damage and premature photoaging.
This innovation reflects dsm-firmenich’s broader commitment to sun safety and skin health, extending beyond ingredients to consumer education and prevention. Through its long-standing support of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Destination Healthy Skin program, American consumers receive free skin cancer screenings and sun-safety education to communities across the U.S.
Since the FDA approved PARSOL® Shield in June 2026, leading beauty brands have moved quickly to bring PARSOL® Shield formulations to U.S. consumers, helping expand access to next-generation UV protection.
Discover more: PARSOL® Shield. Sun Protection. Redefined.
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 people and the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and SIX Swiss Exchange, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €9 billion for its Continuing Operations following the divestment of Animal Nutrition & Health. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 21,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com.
Media contact
Diana Duque-Zonneveld
Global Director Marketing Communications Beauty & Care
diana.duque-zonneveld@dsm-firmenich.com