MONDAY, July 24 (HealthDay News) -- Anthelios SX, an over-the-counter sunscreen that contains a new molecular ingredient designed to block the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Available in Europe and Canada since 1993, ecamsule does a better job of blocking ultraviolet A (UVA) rays than other sunscreen ingredients sold in the United States, the Associated Press reported. Experts have noted a link between UVA exposure and certain skin cancers, including melanoma and basal and squamous cell cancers, the wire service said.

With a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, the safety and effectiveness of Anthelios SX was established in 28 studies involving more than 2,500 patients ranging from 6 months to 65 years old, the FDA said in a statement. Common side effects included acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, skin redness, and itching.

The product, made by the French cosmetics firm L'Oreal, will be distributed in the United States by LaRoche-Posay, the FDA said.

More information

To learn more about the link between ultraviolet rays and skin cancer, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.