Key Takeaways (TL;DR):
- The FDA has approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), making it the first new over-the-counter sunscreen ingredient permitted in the United States since 1999.
- BEMT provides extensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays, helping to shield skin from cancer and premature aging.
- Unlike many traditional chemical filters, this ingredient does not break down quickly when exposed to sunlight, allowing it to maintain its effectiveness over time, thus reducing the need to reapply often.
- While new to the United States market, BEMT has been safely and widely used in Europe and Asia since the late 1990s.
- Consistent sunscreen use is one of the best ways that individuals can decrease their risk of developing skin cancer.
This summer, sunscreen has gotten its first real upgrade in 25 years. The U.S. FDA has approved a new ingredient, bemotrizinol, a UV filter that protects against a broader range of ultraviolet radiation, lasts longer on the skin, and feels less greasy than the traditional chemical sunscreens you find on store shelves.
This change matters because 86% of Americans don’t wear sunscreen daily, and sunscreen is our strongest weapon in the prevention of skin cancer.
Sunscreen 101
The sunscreen aisle contains a dizzying number of options, and finding the right one can be a challenge. Commonly accompanied by a whiff of coconut or citrus fragrances, chemical sunscreens that protect against UV rays often feel greasy, can cause allergic reactions or acne breakouts, and don’t always provide the level of protection promised.
Additionally, some UV filters (active ingredients) in chemical sunscreens are so harmful to marine ecosystems and coral reefs that locations such as Key West, FL; Hawaii; and the island of Palau ban their sale.
Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are environmentally preferable, and less irritating for sensitive skin.
But because of the white film that many mineral sunscreens leave on the skin, few people are willing to use this type of protection for daily use if they’re not going to the beach. Enter the newest active ingredient that protects against UV rays: bemotrizinol.
The newest UV filter ingredient: bemotrizinol
The FDA has determined bemotrizinol (BEMT) to be safe for adults and children in a concentration of up to 6% in everyday sunscreens. It filters a longer range of wavelengths for both UVA and UVB radiation and is absorbed by the skin in lower amounts than most products already available in the US.
BEMT will also last longer on the skin than other UV filters because it breaks down more slowly when exposed to sunlight, meaning you won’t have to reapply it as often. BEMT has been safely used in European and Asian sunscreens for more than 20 years.
The FDA approval of BEMT made in June 2026 was eagerly anticipated by US sunscreen producers, who will be able to begin incorporating it into their product lines as early as this fall.
Until it’s widely available in the U.S., some La Roche-Posay sunscreens, the Japanese formulation of Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, and many Korean skincare brands containing BEMT can be purchased through international websites.
The risks of skin cancer from not wearing sunscreen
More than 10% of Americans never wear sunscreen. That’s a big problem, because 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. Consistent sunscreen use is one of the best ways that individuals can decrease their risk of developing skin cancer.
In 2023, skin cancer was responsible for 8,350 deaths in America. Annual medical costs to treat skin cancers in the U.S. total around $8.9 billion. Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., and one of the most treatable.
One research study found that using daily sunscreen cuts person’s melanoma risk by half and reduces the less dangerous squamous cell carcinoma by 40 percent. Daily sunscreen use should be as nonnegotiable as wearing deodorant.
How to choose the right sunscreen
Sunburn is a clear sign of DNA damage caused by UV radiation, and it significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. But it is a myth that people who tan instead of burn, or that a particular ethnicity or darker skin tone, eliminates the risk of getting skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone use sunscreen daily on all exposed skin, even on cloudy days, because up to 80 percent of harmful UV rays penetrate clouds.
And although your transition eyeglasses may fail to darken inside the car, your skin is still exposed to UVA through tinted car windows.
When selecting sunscreen, look for:
- Broad spectrum: sunscreen that protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays
- SPF 30 or higher
- Water resistant: water resistance lasts either 40 or 80 minutes
While early data suggest BEMT does not bioaccumulate in marine environments, ocean safety data are still limited. So environmentally conscious folks who need more data before switching to BEMT sunscreens should stick to mineral-based options at the beach.
How much sunscreen should you use?
For most people, one ounce of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) should be used to cover arms and legs, while a teaspoon should cover the face, ears, and neck.
Sunscreen needs to be applied more often than you think – follow the instructions on the bottle of your specific product to get the best protection from UV rays.
What to do if you get a sunburn
Even a conscientious sunscreen user can still get sunburned.
If your skin starts to burn:
- get out of the sun
- drink lots of fluids
- cool the burned skin with a damp cloth
- apply soothing lotions or gels – such as calamine or aloe vera, and
- avoid skin products containing alcohol, fragrances or exfoliants.
For adults and children, if you experience a severe sunburn with extensive blistering, fever, chills, or confusion, go to the nearest emergency room. Don’t delay getting care if you or a loved one develops these severe symptoms.
For less serious issues related to sun exposure, call your WWMG primary care provider’s office to request a same day appointment. If it’s the weekend or the same-day appointments have already been filled, go to your nearest urgent care or emergency room for treatment.
In conclusion
It’s important to make wearing sunscreen part of your daily routine to protect yourself from the serious risks of skin cancer. The most common sunscreens use chemicals or minerals to protect people from harmful UV rays.
This year, the FDA has approved a new sunscreen ingredient, bemotrizinol, that has stronger UV protection, lasts longer on the skin, and has been used safely in countries around the world for over 2 decades.
Choosing the right sunscreen can help protect you against sun damage. If you do get sunburned, or have fever, chills, or other symptoms from being out in the sun too long, seek immediate medical care at the emergency room. For minor issues related to sun exposure, call your WWMG primary care provider’s office to request a same day appointment.