FDA Approves New Sunscreen Filter, Bemotrizinol, Reshaping U.S. Market

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) as a sunscreen filter on June 9, a move anticipated to reshape the American sunscreen market.

BEMT is a chemical filter offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection that has been highly sought after by skincare companies. It is noted for its efficacy at lower concentrations, allowing for the development of lighter sunscreen formulations that do not leave a white cast or heavy residue on the skin, unlike some existing filters.

"It's a door crack to what could be, to what the industry could look like," said Ava Chandler-Matthews, co-founder of Ultra Violette. The U.S. has lagged behind in sunscreen innovation due to outdated technology, while other global markets have advanced.

Brands such as Ultra Violette and La Roche-Posay have been preparing for BEMT's potential approval for years. Some companies have been quietly developing BEMT-containing formulations to ensure a swift market entry post-approval. Ultra Violette's first BEMT-based sunscreen for the U.S. market, Unblock SPF 50, is scheduled for release on September 1.

The approval follows the enactment of the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act, which aims to expedite the FDA's review process for sunscreen ingredients. This development is expected to pave the way for the approval of additional filters, potentially leading to a significant upgrade in the quality and variety of sun protection products available to U.S. consumers.