FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient used for years in Europe and Asia
In a major step for skin health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol (BEMT). This is the first new sunscreen active ingredient approved in the United States in more than 20 years.
Experts say the approval will give Americans access to safer and more effective sun protection options that have already been widely used in Europe and Asia for many years.
What Is Bemotrizinol?
Bemotrizinol is a chemical sunscreen filter that helps protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
- UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburn.
- UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to premature aging, weakened immunity, and skin cancer.
According to health experts, many sunscreens sold in the U.S. do a good job blocking UVB rays but provide weaker protection against UVA rays. Bemotrizinol helps fill that gap by offering strong, broad-spectrum protection.
Why Is This Approval Important?
Scientists and dermatologists consider bemotrizinol one of the safest sunscreen ingredients available today.
Key benefits include:
- Strong protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Remains stable in sunlight and does not break down easily
- Absorbs very little into the bloodstream
- Can be combined with zinc oxide for enhanced protection
- Reduces the white residue often associated with mineral sunscreens
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit health advocacy organization, welcomed the decision, calling it a significant improvement for sunscreen safety and effectiveness in the United States.
Concerns About Existing Chemical Sunscreens
In 2019, FDA researchers found that several commonly used sunscreen chemicals could enter the bloodstream after just one day of use.
Some ingredients, including oxybenzone and homosalate, remained in the blood for more than two weeks after application. As a result, the FDA requested additional safety studies for several chemical sunscreen ingredients.
Because bemotrizinol has extensive safety data and decades of use overseas, many experts view it as a safer alternative.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
There are two main types of sunscreens:
Mineral Sunscreens
- Use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Sit on the skin and reflect UV rays
- Generally cause less irritation
- Newer formulas reduce the traditional white cast
Chemical Sunscreens
- Absorb UV rays and convert them into heat
- Feel lighter on the skin
- Some older ingredients have raised safety concerns
Bemotrizinol combines the cosmetic appeal of chemical sunscreens with a strong safety profile, making it an attractive option for consumers.
Industry Calls for Faster Innovation
While sunscreen manufacturers praised the FDA’s decision, industry groups say more work is needed.
Several sunscreen ingredients already used internationally are still awaiting approval in the United States. Industry representatives are urging the FDA to modernize its approval process and update sunscreen labeling rules so consumers can make better-informed choices.
The Bottom Line
The FDA’s approval of bemotrizinol marks a significant advancement in sun protection for Americans. With strong UVA and UVB protection, excellent safety data, and decades of successful use in Europe and Asia, the ingredient could help improve sunscreen quality and reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
As summer approaches, experts continue to recommend daily sunscreen use, protective clothing, and limiting excessive sun exposure to maintain healthy skin.
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