Overview
- The FDA added bemotrizinol to its list of permitted sunscreen active ingredients in June, authorizing use up to 6% in products for adults and children aged six months and older after finding low skin absorption and low rates of irritation.
- Major brands have moved quickly to reformulate and launch BEMT products, with Neutrogena and Ultra Violette already in U.S. stores and La Roche-Posay and CeraVe announcing imminent releases.
- Bemotrizinol is a broad‑spectrum, photostable chemical filter that absorbs both UVA and UVB rays and mixes well with other chemical and mineral filters, which helps maintain protection during sun exposure.
- Dermatologists and consumer groups say BEMT’s lighter feel and reduced white cast may make sunscreens more pleasant to apply, which could increase routine use and improve UVA coverage for people with darker skin tones.
- The approval ends a long run of limited U.S. sunscreen ingredient change — the last new filter was cleared in 1999 — and may open the door to more innovation in sun‑care formulas and retail choices.