Brief
US FDA approves bemotrizinol, first new sunscreen ingredient in 25 years
Bemotrizinol, known as BEMT, offers dual UVA/UVB protection without the white streaks of mineral sunscreens.
By Felo News Desk · Published
For the first time in more than a quarter‑century, American shoppers can buy sunscreen containing bemotrizinol (BEMT), a chemical filter long used in Europe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the ingredient in June, and products from brands such as Neutrogena are now on store shelves, according to Independent.
What the new ingredient does
BEMT provides broad‑spectrum protection, shielding skin from both UVB rays that cause sunburn and UVA rays linked to skin cancer and premature aging. Previously, U.S. manufacturers had to combine several chemicals to achieve this dual coverage. Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Stein of NYU Langone Health said the ingredient “fills an important market gap” by delivering strong UVA protection without the cosmetic drawbacks of mineral filters.
Advantages over older chemicals
Unlike some older chemical filters, BEMT shows minimal skin absorption in decades of safety studies. The FDA’s recent revocation of oxybenzone, after finding higher-than‑expected absorption, highlights the agency’s focus on skin‑penetration data. Stein added that BEMT is “not a brand‑new ingredient that you’re going to be the first person to try,” emphasizing its established safety record.
Industry perspective
David Andrews, chief science officer of the Environmental Working Group, called the approval “a solution for what is currently a big gap with respect to providing strong UVA protection.” He noted that mineral sunscreens such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while effective, can leave a white cast that many consumers, especially those with darker skin tones, find unappealing.
Consumer impact
Stein said the new chemical sunscreen offers “a nice option” for people who avoid mineral formulas because of texture or discoloration. The ingredient’s lack of visible residue could encourage broader sunscreen use, a public‑health goal given rising skin‑cancer rates.
Key facts
- The FDA approved the chemical sunscreen filter bemotrizinol (BEMT) in June 2026. (independent.co.uk)
- BEMT provides broad‑spectrum UVA and UVB protection without the white streaking of mineral sunscreens. (independent.co.uk)
- Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Stein said BEMT has decades of safety data and minimal skin absorption. (independent.co.uk)
- Environmental Working Group chief science officer David Andrews called BEMT a solution to the UVA‑protection gap. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “The first new sunscreen type in 25 years has arrived on US store shelves”
