If you’ve ever heard someone say that sunscreen formulas in Europe and Asia are ahead of what’s available in the United States, they’re not wrong.
For years, dermatologists have watched newer sunscreen ingredients become available overseas while sunscreen options in the U.S. have remained relatively unchanged. In fact, it’s been over 25 years since a new chemical sunscreen filter was approved for over-the-counter use in the United States.
That is finally changing.
The FDA recently approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), a sunscreen ingredient that has been used in Europe and other parts of the world for years. While most patients have probably never heard of it, dermatologists are paying attention because it has the potential to improve both sunscreen performance and the overall experience of wearing sunscreen.
We’re also excited because patients won’t have to wait long to try it. Sunscreens containing bemotrizinol are expected to begin appearing on U.S. shelves this summer. You may also see the ingredient marketed as Parsol® Shield, with products from popular brands like Neutrogena expected to be among the first to include it.
Why Have Sunscreens in Europe and Asia Been Different?
Many of the sunscreen filters used in Europe and Asia have not been available in the United States due to differences in the regulatory approval process.
As a result, sunscreen manufacturers overseas have had access to newer UV filters that can provide excellent broad-spectrum protection while also creating formulas that feel lighter, smoother, and more elegant on the skin.
This is one of the reasons many patients return from trips abroad asking why sunscreen seems to feel so much better in other countries, or stuffing their suitcase full of their favorite SPF unavailable for purchase in the States.
What Makes Bemotrizinol Different?
One of the biggest advantages of bemotrizinol is that it provides strong protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays contribute to premature aging, pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and skin cancer development. Because bemotrizinol covers a broad range of the UV spectrum, it helps provide comprehensive protection against the types of sun damage we worry about most.
Another reason we’re excited about bemotrizinol is its photostability.
Some sunscreen ingredients lose effectiveness after prolonged UV exposure. Bemotrizinol remains remarkably stable, even during extended time in the sun. This helps sunscreen formulas maintain their protective benefits and may improve the overall stability of other UV filters used alongside it.
Better Protection Can Also Mean Better Wearability
One of the biggest barriers to sunscreen use isn’t a lack of education – most people know they should wear sunscreen. The problem is that many people don’t enjoy wearing it.
Some sunscreens leave a white cast. Others feel greasy, heavy, sticky, or uncomfortable, especially during the hot and humid Georgia summers.
Bemotrizinol can be combined with traditionally thick and hard-to-blend zinc oxide in order to create formulas that are lighter, smoother, and more cosmetically elegant. That means better protection without sacrificing how the product feels and looks on the skin. This is important because when sunscreen applies and wears better, people are more likely to wear it consistently.
What Does This Mean for Skin Cancer Prevention?
At Georgia Skin Specialists, we’re always excited about advances that make sun protection easier and more effective. While bemotrizinol isn’t a replacement for good sun habits, it represents an important step forward in sunscreen innovation.
For the most effective skin cancer prevention, we recommend:
- Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day
- Reapplying every two hours when outdoors
- Wearing hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing
- Seeking shade during peak UV hours
- Scheduling regular full-body skin exams
The Bottom Line
The FDA approval of bemotrizinol marks the first new chemical sunscreen filter approved in the United States in more than 25 years.
For patients, this may mean access to future sunscreens that provide excellent UVA and UVB protection while feeling lighter, smoother, and more pleasant to wear.
For dermatologists, that’s good news because, as always, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually apply every day.
Click here to shop our dermatologist-recommended sunscreens.
