The United States is moving closer to expanding the range of sunscreen ingredients available to consumers. A new proposal from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aims to add bemotrizinol—a UV-filter widely used in Europe, Australia, and several Asian countries—to the list of approved active ingredients for American sunscreen products.
Bemotrizinol, sometimes referred to as BEMT, is known for delivering strong broad-spectrum protection. It shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for premature aging, sunburn, and the long-term development of skin cancer. According to the FDA, scientific evaluations show that the compound is minimally absorbed through the skin and rarely triggers irritation or sensitivity, making it a promising option for US consumers seeking gentler yet effective sun protection.
In the United States, sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter drugs. This means every active ingredient must undergo a thorough review under the agency’s “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE) system. The GRASE process examines safety data, real-world use, absorption levels, and protective performance before an ingredient can be approved.
The request to add bemotrizinol was submitted by DSM Nutritional Products LLC, a company headquartered in Switzerland and the Netherlands. As part of the normal regulatory pathway, the FDA has now opened the proposal for public comments and will begin a detailed evaluation of the ingredient. Once the assessment is complete, the agency will decide whether bemotrizinol can officially be added to the list of permitted sunscreen actives in the United States.
If approved, the addition would mark a significant development in US sun-care options. American consumers have long been limited to older UV filters, while many international markets have moved ahead with more advanced and photostable ingredients. Dermatologists have frequently highlighted this gap, noting that some of the most effective modern sunscreen filters have been available abroad for over a decade but remain out of reach in the US due to regulatory delays.
Dr. Karen Murry, acting director of the Office of Nonprescription Drugs, welcomed the proposal, emphasizing that more choices could lead to better protection for the public. She noted that expanding the list of approved ingredients can help consumers find products suited to different skin types, preferences, and sensitivities.
Sun protection remains one of the most important tools in preventing skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV radiation—from sunlight, tanning beds, or sun lamps—significantly increases the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Experts recommend a combination of strategies: seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, wearing UV-blocking clothing and hats, using protective eyewear, and applying sunscreen as directed.
Sunscreens typically fall into two categories: chemical and mineral.
Chemical sunscreen filters, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and others, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat that dissipates from the skin.
Mineral sunscreens, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, form a physical barrier that reflects or scatters UV radiation before it penetrates the skin.
Bemotrizinol is a chemical filter but is considered highly stable, meaning it maintains its protective performance longer than some existing US-approved ingredients. Its potential approval could modernize American sunscreen formulas, offering more durable and cosmetically elegant products that align with global standards.
If the FDA ultimately authorizes the ingredient after the review process, US consumers may soon gain access to a broader, more effective selection of sun-protection products—an important step forward in the ongoing effort to reduce skin cancer risks nationwide.
