New UV filter on the U.S. market after more than 25 years upon FDA approval
It has been over 25 years since a new UV filter was approved by the FDA, despite rising skin cancer rates, the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with more than two deaths every hour. As the first company to formally urge the FDA and Congress to accelerate the approval process, dsm-firmenich continues to lead with deep regulatory expertise and a long-standing commitment to skin health advocacy.
Now on the brink of a breakthrough, dsm-firmenich is awaiting U.S. approval for PARSOL® Shield, a next-generation UV filter offering broad-spectrum, photostable protection, even at low concentrations. With excellent skin feel, microbiome friendliness, and a strong eco-profile, upon FDA approval PARSOL® Shield is poised to set a new global benchmark on quality. Through efforts like the Destination Healthy Skin program and the annual Safer Under the Sun Day in Washington D.C., dsm-firmenich is driving since years collaboration between industry and government to make advanced sun care accessible to all Americans.
PARSOL® Shield. The most efficient broadband UVB-UVA filter, now set to transform global skin protection.
The product available in the U.S. post-FDA approval.
Explore the expert perspective driving innovation in sun protection:
At dsm-firmenich, advocating for public skin health is more than a mission, it’s a responsibility. With the upcoming FDA approval of PARSOL® Shield, we are setting a new benchmark in sun protection and public health. As the first new sunscreen active to be approved in the U.S. in over 25 years, PARSOL® Shield represents a breakthrough in broad-spectrum UV protection, designed to help prevent sun-induced skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Through initiatives like Safer Under the Sun, our science-based tools, and our commitment to ethical innovation, we continue to champion safer sun exposure and empower consumers with next-generation protection.
PARSOL® Shield offers advanced photoprotection to support skin cancer prevention and help safeguard against sun-induced skin damage and premature photoaging, contributing to overall skin health and consumer well-being.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than two deaths every hour.”
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“One study found that regular daily use of sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent, when used as directed.”
Source: Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics
“Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.”
Source: Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics
PARSOL® Shield (INCI: Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine) is a photostable broad-spectrum filter which efficiently contributes to UVB and UVA protection across the full range of application forms at low concentrations. PARSOL® Shield demonstrates excellent compatibility with both organic and inorganic UV filters and is readily compatible with other PARSOL® UV filters. As part of a holistic formulation the UV filter supports high levels of water resistance due to its good solubility in organic oils.
| Microbiome-friendly UV filter certified by independent organization, MyMicrobiome |  |
PARSOL® Shield is on track to become the first new sunscreen active ingredient approved by the FDA in over 25 years. With its exceptional UVA-UVB performance at low concentrations, strong eco-profile, and microbiome compatibility, it is set to redefine skin health and well-ageing.
As a valued partner, you now have the opportunity to evaluate this next-generation UV filter ahead of market adoption. Whether you're formulating high-performance sunscreens or looking to expand your global portfolio, PARSOL® Shield enables future-proof, science-based formulations aligned with evolving regulatory and consumer needs.
Discover the power of PARSOL® Shield in our state-of-the-art SUNSCREEN OPTIMIZER™ , the perfect support tool to create high-performance, sustainable suncare solutions.
Stay tuned to news coming from the FDA really soon!
PARSOL® TX (INCI: Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Dimethicone) is an inorganic UVB filter providing a very good SPF performance as well as a significant contribution to UVA protection into the blue light range.
PARSOL® Max (INCI: Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol) is a photostable broad spectrum UV filter which delivers outstanding performance that breaks through the boundaries of UVB and UVA to continue into the blue light spectrum.
PARSOL® 1789 (INCI: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is a very strong and efficient UVA absorber for sunscreen and other skin care formulations. It enables broadband protection when combined with effective UVB filters and can also contribute to SPF.
PARSOL® ZX (INCI: Zinc Oxide, Triethoxycaprilylsilane) is an inorganic UV filter with a broad UVA‐UVB absorption curve that also goes into the blue light spectrum. Our grade with a particle size ensures SPF and best UVA performance.
Building on our strong expertise in application, dsm-firmenich formulators create desirable formulations that can be used in a variety of market applications.
Download a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product.