The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has added bemotrizinol, or BEMT, to its list of approved active ingredients in over-the-counter sunscreens. This is the first time since the late 1990s that the FDA has added a new chemical to its list of approved sunscreen ingredients.

How Sunscreens Work

There are two major types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens, including BEMT, absorb the sun’s ultraviolet rays and change their structure, converting them into heat before they can penetrate the skin. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and create a barrier that reflects UV light.

BEMT is considered broad-spectrum, filtering both UVA and UVB rays simultaneously. It is also more photo-stable than other chemical filters, meaning it breaks down more slowly when exposed to sunlight.

Availability and Use

BEMT sunscreens won’t be available in the U.S. until August 2026. The FDA approval order takes effect then, and new products for the U.S. market are likely to combine BEMT with current sunscreen ingredients, such as zinc oxide, to increase overall effectiveness and cosmetic acceptability.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using any water-resistant sunscreen product with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB. Sunscreen should be applied to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors and then re-applied at least every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.