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FDA approval of bemotrizinol sunscreen ingredient

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2026-08-29 11:02 UTC → 2026-09-01 02:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of bemotrizinol (BEMT) in over-the-counter sunscreen products. This marks the first new active ingredient added to the American approved list since the late 1990s. Bemotrizinol is an organic, broad-spectrum filter capable of absorbing both UVB and UVA radiation, specifically targeting UVA1 wavelengths between 340 and 400 nanometers. The molecule works by intercepting ultraviolet radiation and dissipating the energy as heat. The FDA has permitted its use in formulations at concentrations up to 6%. While the ingredient has been utilized for years in Europe and Asia, its approval is expected to influence North American formulas. In Canada, dermatologists and health officials have provided guidance on usage, recommending broad-spectrum SPF 30+ products and emphasizing the importance of reapplication every two hours, particularly during swimming or heavy sweating. Marketed by dsm-firmenich as PARSOL® Shield, the ingredient is noted for its high photostability and its ability to create lightweight formulations that avoid the white cast often associated with mineral sunscreens. The Australian brand Ultra Violette has already launched the first U.S. product containing the ingredient, Unblock Screen SPF 50, a hybrid formula combining BEMT with octocrylene and zinc oxide. The brand intends to expand its BEMT-based offerings with the launch of Fave Screen SPF 50 in early 2027.

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