From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Several advanced sunscreen ingredients, including Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, and Mexoryl SX, are widely used internationally but remain unavailable in the U.S. due to FDA regulatory delays, as noted in a recent review of UV filters in the United States and European Union 1. These ingredients offer superior UVA protection compared to U.S.-approved filters, with Tinosorb S providing broad-spectrum coverage and excellent photostability, while Tinosorb M both absorbs and reflects UV radiation. Some key points to consider about these ingredients include:
- Mexoryl SX specifically targets short UVA rays and is photostable even in intense sunlight
- Uvinul A Plus (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate) offers exceptional UVA protection and works well with other filters
- These ingredients are popular in European, Asian, and Australian sunscreens because they provide better protection against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and contribute to skin cancer risk
- They also tend to feel lighter on the skin and leave less white cast compared to U.S. options like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as discussed in the context of sunscreen regulation and environmental impact 2. Travelers often purchase these sunscreens abroad or through international websites, though technically importing them for personal use exists in a regulatory gray area, highlighting the need for continued evaluation of sunscreen ingredients and their safety, as well as their potential impact on human health 3.