The FDA has approved bemotrizinol, a new sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum UV protection without easily absorbing into the bloodstream, marking the first new sunscreen approval in over 20 years. This development addresses a critical gap in U.S. sun protection: most American sunscreens deliver only about one-quarter of the UVA protection their labels claim, leaving skin vulnerable to cancer and premature aging.

Why Does This Matter When Older Chemical Sunscreens Are Already Available?

The approval of bemotrizinol, or BEMT, comes after decades of concern about chemical sunscreen ingredients entering the human bloodstream. In 2019, FDA scientists discovered that six of the most commonly used chemical sunscreen ingredients could reach unsafe levels in the blood after just one day of use. Two ingredients in particular, homosalate and oxybenzone, remained in the bloodstream above safety thresholds for more than two weeks after application stopped.

Bemotrizinol is different. According to experts, it is not easily absorbed into the skin and has the most robust safety data of any UV filter developed to date. The ingredient has been used safely in Europe since 1999 and was first filed with the FDA for review in 2005, though the approval process took years to complete.

"Bemotrizinol has been used safely in Europe for decades, and FDA's action will increase competition and consumer confidence in sunscreen products," said Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.

Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary

What Makes Bemotrizinol Different From Mineral and Other Chemical Sunscreens?

Currently, Americans have two main sunscreen options: mineral-based products and chemical-based products, each with trade-offs. Mineral sunscreens, made primarily from zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays without absorption concerns. However, they are known for leaving a chalky white residue on the skin. Of the 550 sunscreen products recommended by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in their 2026 report, 497 are mineral-based.

Chemical sunscreens work differently. They absorb into the skin and convert UV radiation into heat through a chemical reaction. The problem is that older chemical ingredients like avobenzone break down quickly in sunlight, reducing their effectiveness over time. Bemotrizinol solves this problem because it is highly photostable, meaning it resists breakdown when exposed to heat and sun.

Perhaps most importantly, bemotrizinol can be combined with zinc oxide to provide strong broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays without the heavy white cast associated with mineral-only formulas. This represents a significant advancement for consumers who want effective protection without visible residue.

"Bemotrizinol changes the calculus of sun care. It is highly photostable, meaning it won't break down when hot summer sun hits your skin, unlike avobenzone, currently the only non-mineral filter in the U.S. that provides meaningful UVA coverage," explained Alexa Friedman, Senior Scientist at EWG.

Alexa Friedman, Senior Scientist at Environmental Working Group

How to Choose Safer Sunscreen Options Going Forward

• Check for Bemotrizinol: Starting later in 2026, bemotrizinol will be available under the brand name Parsol Shield from DSM Nutritional Products, with other manufacturers able to use it after an 18-month exclusivity period. Look for this ingredient on product labels as a safer chemical option.
• Consider Mineral Alternatives: If you prefer to avoid chemical absorption entirely, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide remain a safe option, especially newer formulations designed to minimize white cast.
• Verify Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure any sunscreen you choose protects against both UVA and UVB rays, as some older formulas only blocked one type. The label should clearly state "broad spectrum" protection.
• Check the EWG Database: The Environmental Working Group maintains an annual report of recommended sunscreens that meet safety and efficacy standards, providing a vetted resource for consumers.

What's the Bigger Picture for U.S. Sunscreen Regulation?

The approval of bemotrizinol represents progress, but experts say the FDA's sunscreen regulatory system remains outdated. Bemotrizinol is the first new ingredient approved through a streamlined process authorized by Congress in 2020, yet the FDA still has not completed additional regulatory updates proposed in 2021. Those proposals included capping SPF numbers and requiring stronger UVA protection standards.

Additionally, the FDA has required manufacturers to conduct safety studies on 12 chemical sunscreen ingredients currently in use, but to date, those studies have not been announced and no updated regulations have been passed. This means many older chemical sunscreens remain on shelves despite the 2019 findings about blood absorption.

"For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward. The approval of bemotrizinol will help change that. This is a win that has been a long time coming," stated David Andrews, Chief Science Officer at EWG.

David Andrews, Chief Science Officer at Environmental Working Group

The approval also aligns with the administration's Make America Healthy Again strategy, which prioritizes promoting innovation in the sunscreen market and improving regulatory processes for over-the-counter sunscreen products. Industry groups have called for even faster approval timelines for additional new ingredients, signaling that more options may be coming to U.S. shelves in the coming years.

For consumers concerned about sun protection and chemical exposure, bemotrizinol offers a middle ground: effective broad-spectrum UV protection without the blood absorption risks associated with older chemical filters, and without the white residue of mineral-only formulas. As the ingredient becomes available later this year, it will give Americans access to sun protection technology that has been standard in Europe and Asia for years.