U.S. Approves First Sunscreen Ingredient in 25 Years

The FDA approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) in June 2026, the first new active sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years. Neutrogena and other manufacturers are releasing the first U.S. products containing it, approved for adults and children 6 months and older at concentrations up to 6%. BEMT was approved in Europe in 1999 and first filed for U.S. review in 2005. The FDA reviewed studies of more than 500 patients conducted by DSM Nutritional Products; agency reviewers said daily use for up to three weeks did not cause irritation or allergic reactions. Dr. Jennifer Stein said it is a molecule too big to really penetrate through the skin and get absorbed into the bloodstream, and that older chemical sunscreens had small molecules. David Andrews said the ingredient provides a solution for what is currently a big gap with respect to providing strong UVA protection. Stein said mineral sunscreens are good but this is a nice option for people who are not so inclined to use them because of how it feels on their skin. Last month the FDA revoked oxybenzone approval, citing greater skin absorption than previously understood. Andrews said avobenzone has been known to be particularly unstable on its own. The EU environmental agency found limited evidence of environmental toxicity with BEMT but says longer-term research is needed. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the action would increase competition and consumer confidence. The FDA used a streamlined process created by Congress in 2020 and finalized within seven months.