Shedding Light on Changes to Sunscreen Ingredients

In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added bemotrizinol to the list of active ingredients allowed in over-the-counter sunscreens sold in the United States.

It’s the first new sunscreen active ingredient the FDA has approved in more than 25 years.

Bemotrizinol is a chemical sunscreen ingredient that meets the FDA’s standards for blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The federal agency says it’s safe for adults and children 6 months and older, and that it causes minimal skin irritation with little absorption into the body.

Bemotrizinol works differently from the chemical and mineral sunscreens on U.S. shelves today. Unlike chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, bemotrizinol is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. It also breaks down more slowly in the sunlight, helping maintain its UV protection over time.

“Bemotrizinol provides another option for broad-spectrum sun protection,” says  Lilac Khojasteh, MD, a BJC Medical Group internal medicine physician. “For people who avoid mineral sunscreens due to the white residue they leave behind, this may be a welcome addition to their sunscreen regimen.”

Why it matters to you

Broad-spectrum protection: Bemotrizinol guards against both UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Both can cause skin cancer.

• Low absorption into the body: FDA data show only small amounts of the chemical pass through the skin, so most of the ingredient stays where it is meant to work—on the surface. Reapplication is recommended every two hours.
• Approved for children as young as 6 months: Before this, only two ingredients—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—carried that designation.
• A trusted record abroad: Its long history of use in Europe and elsewhere gave regulators a large data pool of safety information.
• Better look and feel: Without the white cast of mineral options or the heavier feel of some chemical ones, bemotrizinol may appeal to people who don’t like how other sunscreens look and feel on their skin.

When you'll see it

The FDA’s final order approving bemotrizinol takes effect in August, and products containing it are expected to reach U.S. shelves in the coming months.

“Don’t wait until new sunscreen products become available to start protecting your skin,” says Dr. Khojasteh. “The best sunscreen is one you are comfortable using consistently. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, apply enough to cover exposed skin, and always reapply about every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Pair sunscreen with shade, protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.”

Talk to your primary care provider about the benefits of sunscreen.