While that’s exciting (especially for sunscreen nerds), it doesn’t change what we already know: sun safety habits over time matter more than having one more product on a shelf.
When I joined Those Nerdy Girls two years ago, sun safety was a topic I was excited to cover. A few years earlier, I’d had skin cancer and was eager to share more about sun safety. In this post, I’m excited to share some exciting news!
📣 Bemotrizinol (BEMT) is Coming to U.S. Shelves 📣
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved the first new sunscreen active ingredient for use in over‑the‑counter products since 1999.
Bemotrizinol (BEMT) is a new-generation sunscreen widely used in other countries that provides good protection from both UVA and UVB. Both of these types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation contribute to skin cancer, eye damage, and photoaging. A broad‑spectrum sunscreen like BEMT is a welcome addition to the many safe sunscreen options we already have.
BEMT will be sold under the brand name PARSOL® Shield and found as an active ingredient at concentrations up to 6% in sunscreens for adults and children as young as six months old.
Manufacturers are expected to start making new BEMT-containing sunscreen products later this summer. It will likely appear as an active ingredient in many familiar sunscreen product types, and may be combined with other chemical or mineral sunscreens already in use.
😎 Sun protection is important for everyone. But sunscreen is only one part of staying safe in the sun. Learn about everyday UV protection in this post on sun safety habits.
What type of sunscreen is bemotrizinol (BEMT)?
BEMT is a chemical (organic) UV filter. Based on BEMT’s low systemic absorption and safety profile, the FDA has classified BEMT as GRASE — which stands for “generally recognized as safe and effective”.
Some key BEMT features include:
➡️ Lightweight and easy to apply: BEMT is oil soluble, so it can mix well into lotions, creams, and other formulations, making them smoother and easier to spread, without the visible white cast that mineral sunscreens often leave.
➡️ Highly photostable: This means it doesn’t break down as quickly in sunlight as some other chemical sunscreens do, so it should keep working well while you’re outside (though, you’ll still need to follow the product’s directions on how often to reapply).
➡️ Strong UVA protection: In addition to good UVB protection, it has better UVA protection compared with many other sunscreens. Both types of UV radiation are harmful to the skin and eyes, so broad-spectrum protection is important in a sunscreen.
Having a new sunscreen option that’s easy to apply, wears well without a white cast, is classified as GRASE, and has broad UV-protection is great news.
The biggest downside to BEMT-containing sunscreens is likely to be cost. There’s a good chance these sunscreens will carry a premium price tag for at least the first 18 months.
With the cost of everyday essentials rising, sunscreen is an extra expense many families can’t afford, especially a pricey one.
🧡 If you have the means, consider bringing extra sunscreen to share and donating sunscreen to your local pantry, school, or camp to help keep their supplies stocked.
Are other sunscreens safe to use?
Yes. Dermatologists say that the best sunscreen is the one you have available and will use. Even a single sunburn can increase future skin cancer risk. For young children, during pregnancy, or if you have sensitive skin, your clinician might recommend a specific product type, such as a mineral sunscreen, for regular use. You can also ask your pharmacist for a recommendation if you’re unsure which product to buy.
Are all sunscreens sold in the U.S. classified as GRASE?
No. The FDA classifies mineral (physical) sunscreens as GRASE since they aren’t readily absorbed into the body. These inorganic UV filters include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. BEMT is currently the only chemical-type sunscreen classified as GRASE. Older organic UV filters like avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate provide critical UV protection, but they were approved before the FDA updated their GRASE requirements. Since some studies have found they might get absorbed into the body through the skin, the FDA is still reviewing them for GRASE status. However, the FDA recommends that people continue using them.
The bottom line
A new sunscreen ingredient is exciting (especially for sunscreen nerds like me), but it doesn’t change what we already know: sun safety awareness and habits matter more than having one more product on a shelf. And the best sunscreen will still be the one you’ll actually use.
🌞 Be sun-safe. Get outdoors. And have fun! 🌞
