New sunscreen ingredient reaches US shelves after decades abroad

Clinical takeaway: Consider bemotrizinol-containing sunscreen for patients who avoid sun protection because of white cast or texture. Recommend a broad-spectrum, water-resistant product with SPF 30 or higher, and reinforce adequate application and reapplication.

White residue and an unpleasant feel can discourage sunscreen use, particularly among patients with darker skin tones. Sunscreens containing bemotrizinol, an ingredient widely used in Europe for more than two decades, are now reaching US shelves following FDA authorization in June 2026.

The first new sunscreen active ingredient permitted in the United States in more than 25 years, bemotrizinol gives patients another option when cosmetic preferences interfere with consistent use. FDA considers bemotrizinol generally recognized as safe and effective for adults and children 6 months and older.

Bemotrizinol is a chemical sunscreen ingredient that absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation. Existing chemical formulas typically combine multiple active ingredients to provide that coverage. Like other chemical sunscreens, it can avoid the white cast associated with some mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It also has very low absorption into the bloodstream and resists breakdown in sunlight. By comparison, some existing chemical filters are absorbed more readily, and avobenzone, a common UVA filter, requires other ingredients to stabilize it.

Product selection still depends on the finished formula. Check the label for broad-spectrum coverage, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. Counsel patients to apply generously before going outdoors and reapply every two hours while outside, after towel drying, and after swimming or sweating according to the label. Pair sunscreen counseling with shade, hats, and protective clothing.

For patients who struggle to find a sunscreen they will use consistently, bemotrizinol-containing products offer another option to match sun protection with personal preferences.

Source: Perrone M. (2026 Oct 14) Associated Press. The first new sunscreen type in 25 years has arrived on US store shelves