FDA Approves New Sunscreen Ingredient Bemotrizinol in the US

<figure> <img alt="A sports fan sitting in stands among a crowd applies a white sunscreen to his face." src="https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/GettyImages-2227031177.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption>A new sunscreen ingredient, bemotrizinol or BEMT, has won approval in the US. | Boston Globe via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>On June 9, 2026, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT, as a new sunscreen ingredient. This marks the first new sunscreen ingredient approved in the US since the late 1990s.</p> <p>Bemotrizinol has been available in Europe and Asia for several years but faced regulatory hurdles in the US, where sunscreen is classified as an over-the-counter drug. In 2020, Congress mandated the FDA to reform its sunscreen approval process, leading to the recent approval after a review of safety and efficacy data.</p> <p>Dr. Adewole Adamson, a dermatologist at the University of Texas at Austin, stated that this approval represents a significant advancement for consumers, noting the lack of innovation in US sunscreens for over two decades. The Environmental Working Group, which advocated for bemotrizinol's approval, described it as a positive development for health and wellness.</p> <p>Bemotrizinol is designed to provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and it is expected to be more cosmetically appealing than traditional mineral sunscreens, which often leave a white residue on the skin. This new ingredient could help address declining sunscreen usage in the US, amid rising concerns about the safety of existing chemical sunscreens.</p> <p>Following the FDA's announcement in 2019 regarding the safety of popular sunscreen ingredients, skepticism about chemical sunscreens increased. A consumer analysis indicated that the percentage of Americans who believe sunscreen is toxic rose from 17% in 2021 to 24% in 2025.</p> <p>Bemotrizinol is expected to alleviate some of these safety concerns, as preliminary evidence suggests it does not penetrate the bloodstream in significant amounts. DSM Nutritionals will have exclusive rights to sell their bemotrizinol formulation, Parsol Shield, for 18 months before other companies can produce sunscreens containing this ingredient.</p> <p>Experts recommend that consumers look for sunscreens with an SPF between 30 and 50 for optimal protection. Skin cancer remains a significant health issue in the US, with over 200,000 new cases anticipated this year.</p>