Revolutionary Sunscreen Innovation Arrives in U.S. Stores
WHO:
NBC News Health - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bemotrizinol.
Fast Company - Dr. Jennifer Stein, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, and David Andrews, chief science officer of the Environmental Working Group, are mentioned.
WHAT:
Entrepreneur - BEMT took 20 years to clear the FDA.
NBC News Health - Bemotrizinol is a new skin-protecting chemical available in the U.S. for the first time in over 25 years.
Fast Company - The FDA approved bemotrizinol in June, and the first sunscreens containing it are now available in U.S. stores, including products from Neutrogena.
Fast Company - BEMT offers broad protection against both UVA and UVB rays, filling a market gap for effective sunscreen options.
Fast Company - Studies showed that BEMT has minimal absorption into the skin, with levels nearly undetectable in patients.
WHERE:
NBC News Health - The new sunscreen is hitting U.S. store shelves.
WHEN:
Fast Company - The FDA approved bemotrizinol in June.
WHY:
Fast Company - Dermatologists state that BEMT fills an important market gap by providing broad protection without the cosmetic downsides of older sunscreen ingredients.
Fast Company - The FDA revoked approval of oxybenzone due to its higher absorption levels through the skin, highlighting the need for safer alternatives like BEMT.
HOW:
Fast Company - BEMT is significantly more stable than avobenzone, which has been known to be particularly unstable on its own.
Fast Company - BEMT is a chemical-based sunscreen that offers dual protection against UVA and UVB rays, which previously required mixing multiple ingredients.
Fast Company - The FDA's safety review included studies of BEMT conducted by Dutch manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products, which showed no irritation or allergic reactions in users.
Fast Company - BEMT is described as a larger molecule that does not penetrate the skin deeply, reducing concerns about absorption into the bloodstream.
(UPDATED October 15, 2026 20:00 UTC)
BEMT, an innovative product from an entrepreneur, has finally cleared the FDA after a lengthy 20-year process. According to Fast Company, BEMT offers significant stability advantages over avobenzone, which has been recognized for its instability. This breakthrough could have a major impact on the industry moving forward.
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(UPDATED October 15, 2026 18:02 UTC)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved bemotrizinol, a new skin-protecting chemical that marks the first significant sunscreen innovation in over 25 years, with products now available in U.S. stores, including offerings from Neutrogena. Dermatologists highlight that bemotrizinol provides broad protection against both UVA and UVB rays while minimizing skin absorption, making it a safer alternative to older ingredients like oxybenzone, which the FDA revoked approval for due to higher absorption levels. Studies conducted by DSM Nutritional Products confirmed that bemotrizinol causes no irritation or allergic reactions, making it a promising option for consumers seeking effective sun protection.