First new sunscreen chemical in 25 years hits U.S. shelves

The FDA approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) in June, the first new chemical sunscreen filter in the U.S. in over 25 years. It offers broad UVA and UVB protection without white streaks and shows minimal skin absorption; Neutrogena and other brands are already selling formulas with it.

• FDA approved BEMT in June; first sunscreens now on U.S. shelves
• BEMT is the first U.S. chemical filter to block both UVA and UVB
• Studies of 500+ patients found nearly undetectable skin absorption
• FDA revoked approval of older filter oxybenzone over absorption concerns