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FDA Approves Bemotrizinol, First New Sunscreen Ingredient Since 1990s

6/12/2026

Summary

FDA Approves BEMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) for sunscreen, the first such approval since the late 1990s.
BEMT blocks UVA and UVB, remains highly photostable and minimally absorbed, and showed no cancer or reproductive harm in two-year animal and multigenerational studies.
DSM Nutritional Products will exclusively sell the first BEMT sunscreen, Parasol Shield, later this year, after which other makers may use BEMT following an 18-month exclusivity period.

Summary

FDA Declares Safe

The FDA’s environmental assessment, one of the most extensive for a sunscreen ingredient, concluded bemotrizinol does not bioaccumulate in marine ecosystems and is not linked to coral bleaching.
Dermatologist Dr. Helen He said bemotrizinol’s large molecular size keeps it on the skin’s surface, reducing runoff into water.
Researchers note that early studies show no toxicity to marine organisms, cautioning that the unregulated “reef-safe” label may mislead consumers.

Summary

FDA Approves Sunscreen

The FDA approved the sunscreen ingredient bemotrizinol, marketed as Tinosorb S and PARSOL Shield.
Environmental Working Group chief science officer David Andrews and the American Academy of Dermatology praised the decision as a day for consumers and an important step.
Dr. Lauren Taglia noted bemotrizinol is transparent, avoids the white cast of mineral sunscreens, and matters as skin cancer—the most common U.S. cancer—affects one in five Americans with 23 deaths.

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FDA Approves BEMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) for sunscreen, the first such approval since the late 1990s.
BEMT blocks UVA and UVB, remains highly photostable and minimally absorbed, and showed no cancer or reproductive harm in two-year animal and multigenerational studies.
DSM Nutritional Products will exclusively sell the first BEMT sunscreen, Parasol Shield, later this year, after which other makers may use BEMT following an 18-month exclusivity period.

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