FDA approves a new sunscreen that prevents aging and reduces wrinkles

Core Argument: Sunscreen Isn’t “Woke”

The video argues that sunscreen use is being wrongly framed online as “woke,” driven by misinformation and social-media incentives. It claims this framing has contributed to Gen Z “aging like milk.”

The presenter emphasizes that sunscreen is scientifically proven to prevent:

• UV-caused premature aging
• Skin cancer

They also argue that most commercially available sunscreens provide excellent protection overall—whether mineral or chemical, and across a range of SPF values.

Major News: Bemotrizenol Approved as a New OTC Ingredient

A centerpiece of the episode is that the FDA has approved Bemotrizenol (marketed in Europe as Tinosorb S) as the first new over-the-counter sunscreen ingredient in 27 years.

The presenter attributes the long delay to differences in how the U.S. and EU regulate sunscreen under different legal frameworks:

• In the U.S., the video claims sunscreen is treated as a drug under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (1938), because it’s intended to prevent sunburn/skin cancer (therefore subject to stricter regulation).
• In the EU, the video claims sunscreens are treated as cosmetics, allowing more approved ingredients.

Laws the Presenter Cites

The presenter also points to:

• A 2014 congressional law intended to reduce or clear a sunscreen review backlog that the FDA allegedly still did not resolve at the time.
• The 2020 CARES Act, described as streamlining FDA approvals, eventually leading to the 27-year outcome.

UV Types and Why the Ingredient Matters

The video explains the “important advance” by focusing on different UV ranges:

• UVA
  • Penetrates deeply
  • Is described as not being blocked well by glass
  • Presented as a primary driver of skin aging and skin cancer
• UVB
  • Causes sunburn
  • Is what SPF ratings are primarily designed to measure/block
• UVC
  • Largely filtered by Earth’s atmosphere
  • Described as less relevant to skin aging
  • Often used for germicidal purposes in medical contexts

Technical Claims: UVB vs UVA Protection in the U.S.

The presenter’s main technical argument is that:

• U.S. sunscreens mainly block UVB
• Higher SPF does not necessarily mean better anti-aging protection, because SPF testing targets sunburn/UVB more than UVA

They argue that the historically important UVA filter in the U.S. has been Avobenzone, but they say it is unstable in sunlight.

Why Bemotrizenol Is Presented as Better

In contrast, the presenter claims Bemotrizenol:

• Protects against both UVA and UVB (i.e., broad-spectrum)
• Is more stable
• May provide “synergy” when paired with Avobenzone

Safety Claims

The presenter presents safety as well-established, arguing that:

• The ingredient has been studied for decades
• It is described as unlikely to penetrate the skin significantly due to high molecular weight
• It is claimed to have minimal systemic absorption
• Clinical studies and Europe’s long use history are described as showing no concerning toxic metabolites

Broader Context and Reactions

The presenter addresses related misinformation and reactions:

• Criticism of the misinformation ecosystem
  • They criticize the “carnivore”/misinformation culture.
• Disputing a “red light cancels UV damage” claim
  • The presenter denies that red light from the sun negates UV damage.
  • They argue it does not work like low-level laser therapy because sunlight red light is high intensity.
• RFK Jr. reaction
  • The presenter notes that RFK Jr. is supposedly supportive of this FDA approval.
  • They find it surprising given RFK Jr.’s past stance on relaxed FDA rules and anti-sunscreen views, framing it as a potential “broken clock” moment.
• Expected pushback
  • The presenter predicts little pushback from the mainstream “anti-sunscreen” crowd.
• Consumer access
  • They suggest consumers can likely import EU sunscreens now, though it’s described as expensive initially.

Presenters/Contributors

• Nova — the video’s presenter