The First New Sunscreen Ingredient in Almost 30 Years

• BEMT is the first new sunscreen active the FDA has approved since the late 1990s.
• It blocks both UVA and UVB rays, the rare combo in a single chemical filter.
• It has been used safely in Europe, Asia, and Australia for over 25 years.
• It feels lighter on skin and does not leave a white cast.
• Products with BEMT should start showing up later in 2026.

BEMT is short for bemotrizinol, a chemical sunscreen ingredient that soaks up ultraviolet rays and turns them into a tiny bit of heat your skin releases. You may also see it called Tinosorb S or Parsol Shield, which are brand names for the same molecule. It was first developed in the late 1990s and added to European sunscreens around 2000.

In the U.S., sunscreen is treated as a drug, not a cosmetic. That means every active ingredient has to clear a long FDA review before it can go on sale. Until now, that list held 16 approved filters, while Europe had around 30.

The simplest way to think about it: BEMT is not a brand new science experiment. It is a well-tested ingredient that the rest of the world has trusted for years, finally cleared for use here. It comes down to the basics of how SPF protects against skin cancer, just with broader coverage than before.

The short answer is paperwork, not safety. The application to approve BEMT in the U.S. was first filed back in 2005, and it sat in the FDA's review process for years.

Part of the holdup is how the U.S. regulates sunscreen. Because it is classified as a drug, the bar for approval is high and the process is slow. Europe regulates sunscreen as a cosmetic, so new filters reach shelves much faster there.

A 2020 update to the law, plus pressure from dermatologists and advocacy groups, finally moved things along. The FDA also reviewed safety data showing BEMT has a large molecule that absorbs into the bloodstream at lower rates than many older chemical filters.

Worth knowing: the FDA cleared BEMT as safe and effective for adults and children six months and older. That is the same age range most sunscreens already follow.

Most chemical sunscreens are good at blocking one type of ray, not both. UVB rays cause sunburn. UVA rays go deeper, speed up aging, and raise skin cancer risk, which is why preventing sun damage means covering both. BEMT is the first chemical filter approved in the U.S. that covers both ranges well.

Here is what sets it apart:

• Broad protection. It filters a wider stretch of UV rays than most current options, including deep UVA.
• It stays stable in sunlight. Avobenzone, a common UVA filter, breaks down in the sun and loses strength over time. BEMT holds up far better.
• It protects its neighbors. BEMT can actually stabilize other filters like avobenzone, helping the whole formula last longer.
• It feels nice. No heavy, greasy finish and no white cast, which makes it friendlier on deeper skin tones.

That last point matters more than it sounds. The best sunscreen is the one you actually want to reapply, and texture is a big reason people skip it.

Keep in mind: BEMT does not replace mineral sunscreens. If you prefer zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, those still work great. Many of the best mineral sunscreens already give strong UVA protection without the wait.

Industry experts expect the first BEMT sunscreens to reach shelves later in 2026, possibly before the end of summer. After the exclusivity period ends, more brands can use it, and the number of products should grow quickly.

This is where it gets a little slower than the headlines suggest. The maker, DSM-Firmenich, holds exclusive marketing rights for 18 months. During that window, they are the only supplier selling BEMT to sunscreen brands under the Parsol Shield name.

A few things to expect as it rolls out:

• Early products will likely be premium, face-focused sunscreens.
• BEMT will often be paired with other filters, not used alone.
• Prices may run a little higher at first, then settle as more brands adopt it.

The smart move: do not toss your current sunscreen waiting for BEMT. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that you use every day still beats a "better" one sitting in your cart. Shop a sunscreen for acne-prone skin or any daily SPF you already trust while the new formulas arrive.

BEMT is a real step forward for U.S. sun care. It blocks both UVA and UVB rays, stays stable in sunlight, helps other ingredients last, and feels good enough that you will actually want to wear it. After 30 years of waiting, that is worth getting excited about.

Still, the best sunscreen is the one you reach for every single day, new ingredient or not. While BEMT formulas make their way to shelves, build the habit now with a sunscreen you love. Browse the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, and join the Exclusive Beauty Club rewards program to earn points on every sun-safe purchase you make this season.