BEMT sunscreen ingredient: What you need to know
BEMT sunscreen ingredient: What you need to know
Key takeaways
BEMT (bemotrizinol) is a new sunscreen ingredient that protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays
It’s the first new sunscreen filter approved in the U.S. in over 20 years
Helps create sunscreens that feel lighter, smoother, and more wearable
Designed to support effective daily sun protection for all skin types
What is BEMT and why is everyone talking about it?
BEMT is a next-generation sunscreen ingredient that helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
It’s a big deal because it’s the first new sunscreen filter approved in the U.S. since 1999, bringing long-awaited innovation to sun care.
For you, that means more advanced sunscreen options that not only protect your skin, but also feel better to wear every day.
How can BEMT make sunscreen better?
BEMT helps make sunscreen more effective and more comfortable to wear.
Besides supporting broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection to help defend against sunburn and early signs of skin aging, future sunscreens with BEMT can:
Stay effective longer in sunlight due to high photostability
Feel lighter and smoother on skin
Be more sheer and blend more easily, helping reduce white cast
Be well tolerated, including for sensitive or acne-prone skin
These benefits can make it easier to find a sunscreen you want to use every day.
Why does this matter for your skin?
Daily sunscreen use is one of the most important ways to care for your skin.
When used as directed with other sun protections, it helps protect against:
Skin cancer, the most common cancer worldwide
Premature skin aging, including wrinkles and dark spots
Long-term sun damage
Even with these benefits, many people do not use sunscreen consistently. Innovations like BEMT can help close that gap by supporting formulas that are more comfortable, more wearable, and easier to incorporate into your daily routine.
What does this mean for Neutrogena® sunscreens?
As the #1 sunscreen brand in the US, Neutrogena® has spent decades developing sunscreen that is backed by science and designed for real life.
The approval of BEMT is an exciting step forward that opens the door to next-generation sunscreen formulas designed to:
Deliver strong, reliable sun protection
Feel lightweight and comfortable on skin
Work across a wide range of skin tones and skin types
Neutrogena® applauds FDA’s approval of a new sunscreen filter and are continuing to explore how to bring this innovation into future sunscreens, always with your skin in mind.
Our commitment to sun protection goes beyond product innovation. Through ongoing sun safety initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the Melanoma Research Foundation, we are also working to expand education, improve access, and support communities in protecting their skin every day. Learn more about Neutrogena® sun safety , including sunscreen application tips and other sun protection measures.
Stay informed on sunscreen innovation
If you are interested in learning more about how sunscreen is evolving and what new ingredients like BEMT mean for your routine, there are several trusted resources that offer helpful perspectives. Publications like The New York Times Wirecutter regularly review the best sunscreens and what to look for in daily protection, while Allure has covered the recent FDA approval of new sunscreen filters and what it means for consumers. You can also find expert-backed insights in Refinery29 , where dermatologists share their perspective on how new ingredients may improve both protection and the overall sunscreen experience.