FDA Approves New Sunscreen Ingredient, a Longtime Favorite in Europe and Asia
FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient used – After a two-decade hiatus, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the green light to a new sunscreen component — bemotrizinol, or BEMT — that has been in use across Europe and Asia for years. Health officials highlight that this addition offers a more secure alternative to many of the chemical compounds currently available in American products.
“Bemotrizinol has been safely utilized in Europe for decades, and this FDA approval will enhance market competition and boost consumer trust in sun protection,” stated Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, when announcing the decision. The inclusion of BEMT is seen as a positive development, especially as the Environmental Working Group’s annual report notes a limited selection of sunscreens in the U.S. that are both effective and safe for use.
About the New Ingredient
BEMT functions as a chemical filter that provides reliable UVA protection, which is crucial for preventing long-term skin damage. Unlike some traditional chemical UV filters, it is less likely to penetrate the skin and has the strongest safety profile among current UV-blocking agents, according to Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
“Bemotrizinol changes the calculus of sun care. It is highly photostable — meaning it won’t break down when exposed to intense summer sunlight — unlike avobenzone, the only non-mineral UVA filter currently available in the U.S.,” Friedman explained in a statement.
Furthermore, BEMT can be combined with zinc oxide to deliver comprehensive broad-spectrum protection while minimizing the white residue often associated with mineral-based formulations.
The Safety Debate
Mineral-based sunscreens, which form the basis of 497 out of the 550 products endorsed by the Environmental Working Group in their 2026 report, operate by sitting on the skin’s surface and physically reflecting sunlight. These products are less likely to cause irritation or toxicity since they do not absorb deeply into the skin.
In contrast, chemical sunscreens are formulated to penetrate the skin and convert UV radiation into heat through chemical reactions. While a dozen such ingredients were used without issue for decades, a 2019 study by FDA researchers revealed that six of the most prevalent compounds can enter the bloodstream at concerning levels after a single day of application.
“These chemicals remain in the blood for days after use, with homosalate and oxybenzone detected above safety limits for over two weeks,” the report highlighted.
David Andrews, chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, praised the approval as a significant milestone. “For decades, Americans have relied on outdated sunscreen technology while global standards advanced. This decision will help bridge the gap in UVA protection,” he said.
The move marks a long-awaited victory for those advocating for improved sun protection options and safer ingredients in the U.S. market.
