What You Need to Know about the Newest Approved Sunscreen Ingredient
Just in time for UV Safety Awareness Month in July, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new sunscreen ingredient approved in the United States (U.S.) in more than 20 years. BEMT has been used safely in Europe and Asia for more than 25 years, and the American Academy of Dermatology has been advocating for this active ingredient to be approved in the United States as an over the counter (OTC) sunscreen option.
BEMT provides protection against both ultraviolet (UV) A and B rays and has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body. It can safely be used on people six months and older.
What are the benefits of BEMT versus existing OTC sunscreen options?
In contrast to existing OTC sunscreens, BEMT is not a mineral sunscreen, and it is different than other chemical sunscreens. As a result BEMT:
- Does not give a white cast on your skin
- Has negligible absorption into the system making it safer
- Blocks broad spectrum UV light, including both UVA and UVB rays
- Is less irritating and feels great on the skin
Why is the approval of BEMT important?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin cancer rates in the U.S. have increased steadily in the last decade; skin cancer is the most common cancer in the country. Some other concerning statistics on skin cancer in the U.S. include:
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- Approximately 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
- More than one million Americans are living with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- Melanoma rates have risen rapidly in the U.S. for decades, increasing as much as 31.5% in a recent eight year period.
Despite the public awareness campaigns about the dangers of UV rays, tanning and burning are increasing in the U.S. According to a survey in 2024 by the AAD published by the Dermatology Education Foundation in 2025, tanning increased by 13% and burning by 10% compared to 2020. In that same survey, 67% of participants said they tanned that year.
In a separate consumer analysis by CivicScience, the percentage of Americans who believe sunscreen is toxic grew from 17% in 2021 to 24% in 2025. In fact, some people have said when they go to Europe or Asia, they buy BEMT-based sunscreens as they prefer it cosmetically to what is available in the U.S., and some believe it to be safer.
As a dermatologist, I advise my patients to follow the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines, which are also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun:
- Choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen that is 30 spf or higher
- Seek shade
- Wear sun protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, closed shoes and sunglasses with UV protection
- Try to avoid being out in the sun when UV rays are strongest– 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time)
I recommend mineral sunscreens, such as zinc based options, for patients with skin diseases, babies and pregnant women or if someone is going into the ocean as we know these sunscreens are safe for coral reefs and more eco-friendly.
For those who do not like using sunscreen because of how it feels or looks or if they have concerns about using other chemical sunscreens, having a BEMT option is well timed. I encourage my patients to try this new OTC sunscreen when it becomes available in August. The benefits to BEMT may increase the use of sunscreen and help decrease cases of skin cancer in the U.S. At least, as a dermatologist, that is my goal and hope.
