FDA Approves New Sunscreen Ingredient Bemotrizinol
The new filter provides broad protection for adults and children as the agency updates its list of safe sunscreen ingredients.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Beauty
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The FDA approved the sunscreen ingredient bemotrizinol in June 2026, marking the first addition of a new filter in 25 years. This ingredient, which provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, is considered safe for children 6 months and older.
Why it matters
The approval provides a new option for sun protection following the September 2026 revocation of oxybenzone, which was found to absorb into the skin at higher levels than previously understood. This shift reflects ongoing agency efforts to ensure sunscreen ingredients meet modern safety and efficacy standards.
Clinical safety studies involving 500 patients evaluated the ingredient over three weeks of daily use, establishing its safety profile for both adults and children. These findings confirm the molecule is too large to enter the bloodstream at significant levels, unlike previously approved chemicals.
The players
FDA
The federal agency responsible for regulating sunscreen products as drugs and setting safety standards for ingredients.
DSM-Firmenich
A chemical and nutritional science company that holds the 18-month exclusive marketing rights for the new ingredient.
The details
Bemotrizinol provides broad-spectrum coverage by absorbing and neutralizing both UVA and UVB rays within the same molecule. Unlike older chemical filters that break down under sunlight or are easily absorbed through the skin, this ingredient remains stable on the skin surface. Manufacturers traditionally combine multiple chemicals to achieve full-spectrum protection, making a single, stable ingredient a significant shift in sunscreen formulation.
Timeline
1999: Bemotrizinol began widespread use in European and Asian markets.
2019: The FDA initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its sunscreen safety regulations.
June 2026: The FDA officially approved bemotrizinol for use in the United States.
September 2026: The FDA revoked its prior approval for the use of oxybenzone.
Health Landscape
This approval marks a milestone in the ongoing FDA sunscreen safety overhaul initiated in 2019 to modernize U.S. product standards. It represents the first addition of a new filter in 25 years, moving away from older ingredients that face increasing regulatory scrutiny.
If you are selecting sunscreens for yourself or children over 6 months old, look for products containing new filters as they reach the market. It is worth discussing with your doctor how to identify stable broad-spectrum protection and whether your current sunscreen remains suitable.
The takeaway
The addition of a new, stable filter offers a modern alternative for UV protection. Continue using broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 and consult your dermatologist about any concerns regarding specific ingredients in your current routine.
Further reading
For more information on current skin protection standards, see our guide to Beauty.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jolt Journal.
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