The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new sunscreen ingredient for the first time in more than 20 years. On June 9, the agency announced it is adding bemotrizinol (BEMT) to the list of approved sunscreen active ingredients. The decision makes the ingredient available for use in over-the-counter sunscreens for adults and children six months and older.
Bemotrizinol is a chemical UV filter. It absorbs ultraviolet radiation and converts it into harmless heat. This helps protect the skin from sun damage. The ingredient has been used for years in sunscreens sold in countries such as France, South Korea, Japan, and Australia. Many consumers and dermatologists have preferred those products, saying they feel better on the skin and offer strong protection.
The ingredient provides broad-spectrum protection on its own. This means it shields against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and long-term damage. Both types of radiation increase the risk of skin cancer. Many chemical filters currently approved in the United States are stronger against one type of ray, requiring manufacturers to combine several ingredients. Bemotrizinol covers both.
Bemotrizinol is also highly photostable. It remains effective when exposed to sunlight for long periods. Some sunscreen ingredients break down under UV light, leaving the skin vulnerable. The new filter does not. Another feature is its low absorption through the skin. The FDA review found minimal absorption into the body while still providing effective protection.
The approval follows years of advocacy from consumer groups, public health experts, and dermatology organizations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other advocates have pushed for access to newer sunscreen filters available overseas. The FDA decision adds bemotrizinol to the official sunscreen monograph, the list of active ingredients allowed in nonprescription sunscreens.
Sunscreens containing bemotrizinol are not immediately available. Industry experts expect the first products to reach store shelves later this year. Consumers may soon see formulas that more closely resemble the highly praised sunscreens sold abroad.
Existing sunscreens remain effective. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are still recommended. Many current broad-spectrum sunscreens provide strong protection when used correctly. The addition of bemotrizinol gives consumers and manufacturers another option for creating sunscreens that are comfortable to wear and offer broad protection.
The FDA based its decision on a review of safety and effectiveness data. The agency considers the ingredient safe for adults and children six months and older. The approval marks the first expansion of sunscreen options in over two decades. Bemotrizinol has a strong track record internationally and is now available for use in the United States.
