Health
FDA Moves to Approve Advanced Sunscreen Ingredient
Health Points
- The FDA is proposing to approve bemotrizinol (BEMT), a sunscreen filter already used worldwide, for use in the U.S.
- BEMT protects against both UVA and UVB rays, is very stable in sunlight, and is safe for children as young as 6 months.
- Experts say BEMT will offer better sun protection choices and milder, more comfortable sunscreen options for sensitive skin.
The U.S. currently lags behind Europe in sunscreen innovation, with only 16 approved active ingredients compared to about 30 used overseas.
That could soon change as the FDA recently proposed adding bemotrizinol (BEMT) to the approved list, after more than two decades without a new filter.
“Based on the data reviewed by the FDA, bemotrizinol provides protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays, has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body, and rarely causes skin irritation,” the FDA stated in a press release.
Dr. Michelle Henry, a dermatologist, explains, “What makes it stand out is … it fills a lot of the holes in the sunscreens that we have right now.”
BEMT’s approval would make it the third sunscreen ingredient labeled safe for children as young as six months, joining zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Victoria Fu, a cosmetic chemist, says, “If BEMT is made available in the U.S., this will have a huge impact on the U.S. sunscreen industry.”
BEMT is a chemical filter used globally for its broad-spectrum protection and stability under sunlight, leading to more efficient protection than currently available U.S. ingredients.
Experts highlight BEMT’s large molecule size, resulting in minimal skin absorption, which contributes to its safety profile for young children.
Dr. Shasa Hu, a dermatologist, notes that BEMT would expand options for people with sensitive skin since it is less likely to cause irritation.
Fu adds, “Creating lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen textures is currently one of the biggest challenges we face in the U.S. given our limited set of approved filters.”
The FDA’s proposal marks an important step, with a public comment period and potential for BEMT-based sunscreens to hit U.S. shelves in late 2026.
Experts agree this development improves sun safety and may open the door for even more advanced sunscreen ingredients in the future.
Ready to upgrade your sun care? Stay informed about new sunscreen advances for better skin health at every age.
