06/18/2026
It’s official: the FDA just approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new sunscreen ingredient in the U.S. since the late 1990s!
If you’ve ever heard that European sunscreens “feel better” or “protect more,” bemotrizinol (BEMT) is a big reason why.
Here’s why it’s good:
It blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
It holds up in the sun instead of breaking down.
It barely absorbs into your skin (and doesn’t leave the white chalky look like zinc)
And it rarely causes irritation, so it’s cleared for adults and kids 6 months and up.
The catch? Brands can’t start using it until August 9, 2026. So you won’t see it on shelves until later this year.
For now, keep wearing your SPF. The best sunscreen is still the one you’ll actually put on!