Sunscreen formulas sold in the United States are about to see a significant change. For the first time in more than 20 years, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol (BEMT), a UV filter that has already been used across Europe and Asia for many years.
Health experts view the decision as an important step toward improving sun protection options for American consumers. The approval also addresses long-standing concerns about the effectiveness and safety of several sunscreen ingredients currently available in the US market.
Bemotrizinol has a long history of safe use in Europe and Asia. It helps protect the skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause premature aging and increase skin cancer risk. BEMT stays stable in sunlight, so it continues to work even during long periods of sun exposure. Unlike many older chemical sunscreen ingredients, it does not easily enter the bloodstream through the skin.
Announcing the decision, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy stated:
“Bemotrizinol has been used safely in Europe for decades, and FDA’s action will increase competition and consumer confidence in sunscreen products.”
The approval has been welcomed by health advocates and researchers who have argued that American sunscreen technology has lagged behind many other regions for years.
Why UVA Protection Matters
Most sunscreens sold in the United States perform well against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are responsible for visible sunburn. However, concerns have persisted regarding protection from UVA rays.
According to the American Cancer Society, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to premature aging, immune system suppression, and skin cancer development.
Research published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit health and environmental advocacy organization, found that US sunscreens provide only about 24% of the UVA protection suggested by their SPF labels on average.
Alexa Friedman, senior scientist at EWG, said bemotrizinol could help address that gap.
“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.”
She also highlighted another advantage:
“Better yet, unlike the older non-mineral filters, it can be combined with zinc oxide to provide strong broad-spectrum protection with less white cast.”
The Debate Around Chemical Sunscreens
The EWG’s 2026 sunscreen report recommended 550 sunscreen products. Of those, 497 were primarily mineral-based formulas.
Mineral sunscreens use ingredients that sit on the skin’s surface and physically block or reflect ultraviolet rays. Since these products are not significantly absorbed into the skin, they are generally associated with lower risks of irritation and toxicity. While older mineral sunscreens often left a noticeable white residue, many newer formulations have reduced that issue.
Chemical sunscreens work differently. They absorb into the skin and convert ultraviolet radiation into heat through a chemical reaction.
For decades, these ingredients were widely used without major concerns. That changed in 2019 when FDA scientists discovered that six commonly used sunscreen chemicals could enter the bloodstream at levels that exceeded safety thresholds after only one day of application.
Researchers also found that the chemicals remained in the body long after sunscreen use stopped. Two ingredients, homosalate and oxybenzone, stayed above safety limits in the bloodstream for more than two weeks.
These substances belong to a group of sunscreen ingredients that the FDA wants manufacturers to research before the agency can classify them as GRASE, or “generally regarded as safe and effective.” Experts say manufacturers have not announced those studies, and the FDA has yet to finalize updated regulations for these ingredients.
Industry and Health Experts React
The FDA’s approval of bemotrizinol has received strong support from health researchers who have advocated for broader sunscreen reform.
David Andrews, chief science officer at EWG, described the decision as a major step forward.
“This is a great day for American consumers and everyone who has fought to improve sunscreen options and close the UVA protection gap in U.S. sunscreens.”
He added:
“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.”
The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), which represents sunscreen manufacturers, also praised the FDA’s move. However, the organization noted that additional regulatory updates are still needed.
PCPC spokesperson Tesia Williams said the approval represents:
“a significant advancement for the personal care products industry and consumers.”
At the same time, she called for a faster and more modern process for reviewing and approving additional sunscreen ingredients.
Regulatory Changes Still Await Action
The approval of BEMT arrives amid broader discussions about sunscreen regulation in the United States.
The FDA first proposed updates to sunscreen labeling requirements in 2019 and publicly outlined those recommendations in 2021. The proposed changes included clearer front-of-package ingredient disclosures, along with improved formatting for SPF ratings, broad-spectrum claims, and water-resistance statements.
Those proposals have yet to move forward.
Federal officials said the approval of bemotrizinol aligns with priorities outlined in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Strategy Report. According to the administration, the FDA plans to encourage sunscreen innovation while improving regulatory processes that have fallen behind those used in other countries.
The FDA’s approval of bemotrizinol gives sunscreen manufacturers a new ingredient option after a 20-year gap in approvals. The UV filter provides effective UVA protection and has a long history of use across Europe and Asia.
Health experts and industry representatives support the decision, while regulators and stakeholders continue discussions on updated sunscreen standards and clearer labeling requirements for consumers.
