Bemotrizinol sunscreen hits US store shelves for first time in 25 years

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), marking the first new sunscreen active ingredient to reach American store shelves in over 25 years. While the chemical has been widely used in Europe and other regions for decades, it is a new option for U.S. consumers.

BEMT is a chemical-based ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and cancer, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Previously, U.S. manufacturers often had to combine multiple ingredients to achieve this dual protection.

Dermatologists note that BEMT fills a market gap by offering effective protection without the cosmetic drawbacks of mineral-based sunscreens, such as the white residue or streaking often caused by zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Additionally, BEMT has decades of safety data indicating minimal skin absorption.