What You Need to Know About Bemotrizinol, the FDA's Newest Sunscreen Ingredient

For the first time in decades, Americans have a new sunscreen ingredient to talk about. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT, as an active ingredient in over-the-counter sunscreens, and according to Jeff Yorio, M.D., a medical oncologist and skin cancer specialist with Texas Oncology, the approval is a meaningful step forward for public health.

The U.S. has long lagged behind Europe when it comes to approved sunscreen ingredients. Part of that gap comes down to regulation. In the U.S., sunscreen is regulated more like an over-the-counter medicine, while Europe treats it more like a cosmetic, resulting in a wider range of available ingredients abroad. That stricter domestic regulatory framework means new approvals are rare, which is exactly what makes bemotrizinol noteworthy.

What sets bemotrizinol apart from many other chemical sunscreens is its molecular profile. The ingredient has a large molecular structure, which means it does not penetrate deeply into the skin and has significantly less systemic absorption than many of its chemical counterparts. It essentially sits on the skin’s surface, which Yorio notes is a meaningful distinction from older chemical sunscreen ingredients that raise more questions about absorption and potential systemic effects. Bemotrizinol is also highly photostable, meaning it does not break down quickly when exposed to light, giving it the potential to provide longer-lasting broad-spectrum UV protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

There is also an aesthetic advantage worth noting. Bemotrizinol produces less of the white cast associated with mineral sunscreens, which Yorio hopes will encourage more people, especially younger ones, to actually use and stick with sun protection. Getting people to apply sunscreen consistently has always been the challenge, and anything that makes the experience more appealing is a win.

That said, Yorio is clear that no sunscreen, however advanced, replaces the need for reapplication. Most people apply sunscreen once at the start of the day and consider the job done. The reality is that all sunscreens wear down over time, especially with water exposure and sweat. His recommendation remains consistent: reapply every two hours outdoors, and immediately after getting out of the water. Rounding out sun protection with shade, hats and sun-protective clothing adds another important layer of defense.

For anyone shopping for sunscreen, Yorio advises looking for broad-spectrum coverage with an SPF of 30 or higher and scrutinizing ingredient labels carefully, particularly when it comes to products making bold natural or holistic claims.