Learn about this new sunscreen ingredient
Bemotrizinol 101: What to know about this new sunscreen ingredient
July 02, 2026
Key takeaways
- Bemotrizinol is the first new FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient in more than 20 years. It offers a new option for broad-spectrum sun protection.
- Bemotrizinol doesn’t break down as quickly as many existing chemical sunscreen ingredients and is less absorbable in your skin.
- Unlike mineral sunscreens, it doesn’t leave a white cast.
There’s a new ingredient coming to sunscreens in the U.S. soon. Known as bemotrizinol, this chemical compound has been widely used in Europe, Asia and Australia for a long time. And, it doesn’t absorb as easily into your skin, potentially making it safer than other types of chemical sunscreens available here.
This is the first new sunscreen ingredient approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in more than 20 years. Bemotrizinol has received the FDA’s “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE) designation for its effectiveness in blocking out both types of ultraviolet light and its long-lasting properties lacking from sunscreens currently available in the United States. GRASE is a legal designation used by the FDA.
For dermatologist Susan Chon, M.D., this is a big deal. “We can finally offer an alternative sunscreen that more people may be willing to use,” she says. “The features of this sunscreen are really attractive.”
Why the FDA’s approval matters
Up until now, the chemical sunscreens available in the U.S. have been known to absorb into your body and circulate in your bloodstream. They include avobenzone and oxybenzone. The long-term effects of that are still unknown and could pose health risks. Chon says this is because researchers have no way to do a controlled study of this. It’s currently impossible to determine whether any effects are due to sunscreen or a multitude of other factors.
“If we can avoid exposure to more of these things, and we have other alternatives, such as sunscreens with bemotrizinol, we should take advantage of that,” Chon says.
How does bemotrizinol sunscreen work?
Bemotrizinol, also known as bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine or BEMT, is a chemical filter. This means it blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun before they hit your skin.
There are two types of UV light: UVA and UVB. Most of our UV exposure comes from UVA rays, which can penetrate deeply into the skin. They contribute to skin cancer and cause tans, skin aging and wrinkles. UVA light is present with the same intensity at all times of day, even when it’s cloudy.
UVB rays don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays, but they can damage skin cells, causing sunburn as well as DNA mutations that lead to skin cancers. These rays are more intense with direct exposure to sunlight at the hottest times of the day.
Bemotrizinol offers broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. This means it’s effective at blocking both types of UV light.
What are the benefits of bemotrizinol sunscreen?
This ingredient offers several scientifically proven benefits.
Bemotrizinol doesn’t leave a residue
There are two types of sunscreens you can buy in the United States right now: mineral and chemical.
Mineral sunscreens – which have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients – block both UVA and UVB rays. They can leave a white residue on your skin that can make you look pale. But that’s how they work. The minerals need to sit on your skin to be effective.
Bemotrizinol does not leave a similar white cast on the skin.
Bemotrizinol has broad-spectrum protection
Currently available chemicals block either UVA or UVB light, but not both. That means it requires a combination of chemical sunscreens to make them effective.
Bemotrizinol is known as a broad-spectrum ingredient because it filters out both UVA and UVB rays.
Bemotrizinol is a photostable UV filter
Many of the currently available types of sunscreens can break down in the sun and need to be reapplied every two hours – or after swimming or sweating.
Bemotrizinol is considerably more stable than other chemical sunscreens and doesn’t break down in the sun. This means you may not need to reapply it as frequently.
Still, it’s best to apply it any time you’re at an increased risk of sun exposure outdoors, especially when you’re around reflective surfaces like snow (when you’re skiing) and water (when you’re swimming) for extended periods of time.
Minimal systemic absorption
Because it doesn’t get absorbed into your skin as easily as other types of chemical sunscreen ingredients, BEMT may be safer than other currently available chemical sunscreens. There’s still concern that chemical sunscreens being absorbed through your skin can be harmful to your health.
Are there any risks to bemotrizinol sunscreen?
As with any chemical, there’s a potential for irritation or allergic reaction. However, this is not a side effect commonly reported with bemotrizinol.
“This one has a track record of being less irritating than other chemical filters,” Chon points out.
Where to get bemotrizinol sunscreen
The first sunscreen products with bemotrizinol are expected to be available in the U.S. in fall 2026.
For the first 18 months, only one manufacturer has been approved by the FDA to make bemotrizinol. The company will then sell the ingredient to sunscreen manufacturers, and several have already announced agreements to roll it into their products.
Frequently asked questions about bemotrizinol
Is bemotrizinol better than zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide is the gold standard of mineral sunscreens because it offers broad-spectrum UV light coverage and does not get absorbed into your skin. However, many people avoid it because some formulations can leave a thick white residue on the skin.
“I think both zinc oxide and BEMT are very effective at preventing UV light damage,” Chon says. “There is a place for BEMT, especially for people who don’t like zinc oxide for the way it feels or looks.”
Is bemotrizinol safe for my skin?
“From what we know of the 20-year history of its use, it seems like it's relatively safe because of its lower absorption through the skin,” Chon says.
What type of sunscreen is best?
Chon still recommends trying mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide first. That’s because zinc oxide is effective, long-lasting, doesn’t get absorbed into your skin and has the lowest potential for causing irritation on your skin.
“But I also know that some people don’t necessarily love it unless they find a formulation that’s much more cosmetically acceptable,” she says. For these people, BEMT is a good choice.
Does sunscreen protect me from all sun damage?
Sunscreen is important, but it’s only part of an overall sun protection strategy. Additionally, you can protect yourself by:
- Staying out of the sun during peak UV hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wearing long sleeves, pants and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin
- Wearing sunglasses with broad-range sun protection for your eyes
Request an appointment at UT MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.
The features of this sunscreen are really attractive.
Susan Chon, M.D.
Physician