FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient used for years in Europe and Asia

FDA Approves New Sunscreen Ingredient Used for Years in Europe and Asia

FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient used – After two decades without new additions, the US Food and Drug Administration has greenlit a novel sunscreen component—bemotrizinol, or BEMT—that experts argue offers a more secure alternative to many chemical filters currently available in the United States. This approval marks a pivotal moment for the sunscreen industry, as the ingredient has been safely utilized in Europe for decades and is now expected to bolster product diversity and trust among consumers.

A Safer Alternative

Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, emphasized the significance of the decision in a statement, stating, “The addition of bemotrizinol changes the landscape of sun care. It will foster competition and enhance consumer confidence in the sunscreen market.”

Environmental Working Group (EWG) research underscores the importance of this development, highlighting the scarcity of safe and effective sunscreen options on US shelves. According to their 2026 report, only 53 out of 550 recommended products are chemical-based, with the majority relying on mineral ingredients that sit on the skin and physically block sunlight. This shift toward mineral-based formulations, which are less likely to irritate or absorb into the dermis, has become a focal point for improving sunscreen safety.

The UVA Protection Gap

Sunscreens in the US excel at defending against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are responsible for visible sunburns. However, critics point out that these products often fall short in shielding against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to premature aging, immune system suppression, and a major role in skin cancer development, as noted by the American Cancer Society.

EWG’s peer-reviewed studies reveal that US sunscreens, on average, deliver just 24% of the UVA protection suggested by their SPF labels. This discrepancy has fueled concerns about the adequacy of current formulations, especially when compared to those in Europe and Asia, where bemotrizinol has been a staple for years.

BEMT: A Breakthrough in Sun Protection

Senior scientist at EWG, Alexa Friedman, described bemotrizinol as a “game-changer” in the field of sun care. “This ingredient provides reliable UVA protection without being easily absorbed into the skin, and it carries the most comprehensive safety data of any UV filter to date,” she stated. Friedman further explained that BEMT’s photostability—meaning it resists breakdown under intense sunlight—sets it apart from avobenzone, the sole non-mineral filter in the US with meaningful UVA coverage. “Unlike older non-mineral filters, it can be combined with zinc oxide to achieve robust broad-spectrum protection with minimal white cast,” she added.

Mineral-based sunscreens, such as those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, have long been praised for their physical barrier against UV rays. These products remain on the skin’s surface, reducing the risk of systemic absorption and associated health concerns. However, traditional chemical sunscreens, which rely on agents like homosalate and oxybenzone, have been scrutinized for their ability to penetrate the skin and accumulate in the bloodstream. In 2019, FDA scientists identified six of the most common chemical filters as capable of entering the human body at unsafe levels within a single day of use.

Homosalate and oxybenzone, in particular, were found to persist in the bloodstream for over two weeks, raising questions about their long-term effects. Despite these findings, the FDA has not yet issued updated regulations or mandated further studies on these chemicals. This lack of action has prompted calls for more rigorous oversight, with the approval of BEMT seen as a step forward in addressing the UVA protection gap.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

David Andrews, the chief science officer at EWG, hailed the decision as a “long-awaited victory” for American consumers. “This approval will help modernize sunscreen technology, closing the gap between US and global standards,” he said. Andrews also noted that for years, Americans have relied on outdated formulas while other regions advanced, and BEMT’s introduction signals a turning point.

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), which advocates for sunscreen manufacturers, expressed support for the FDA’s action but urged for more progress. In an email, spokesperson Tesia Williams stated, “While we commend the FDA for this progress, continued efforts are necessary to establish a more efficient and modern regulatory framework for approving additional active ingredients.”

BEMT’s approval not only expands the range of available sunscreens but also aligns the US with international practices. By integrating this ingredient into products, manufacturers can offer consumers a choice between mineral-based and chemical-based options without compromising safety. This flexibility is crucial as the market moves toward broader spectrum protection and reduced skin irritation.

Consumer Implications and Market Impact

With the inclusion of BEMT, the sunscreen market stands to benefit from enhanced UVA defense and fewer side effects. Consumers can now expect products that deliver both effective UVB and UVA coverage, thanks to the ingredient’s unique properties. Moreover, the combination of BEMT with zinc oxide allows for formulations that are less greasy and more cosmetically appealing, addressing a long-standing drawback of chemical sunscreens.

As the FDA continues to evaluate other potential ingredients, the approval of BEMT serves as a benchmark for future advancements. This decision reflects growing recognition of the need to improve sunscreen technology, ensuring that products meet the demands of modern health standards while remaining user-friendly. For now, it’s a promising development that could reshape the industry’s approach to sun protection.

“The approval of bemotrizinol is a win that has been a long time coming,” said David Andrews, EWG’s chief science officer. “It’s time for Americans to access the same high-quality sunscreens available in Europe and Asia, with reliable UVA protection and fewer health risks.”

While the path to comprehensive sunscreen reform remains ongoing, the FDA’s approval of BEMT is a significant milestone. It highlights the agency’s responsiveness to scientific evidence and consumer demands, paving the way for a new era of sun care products that balance safety, efficacy, and aesthetic appeal.