Parents may soon see a new name on sunscreen labels. The FDA recently finalized the approval of Bemotrizinol (often known as Tinosorb S), the first new sunscreen active ingredient in the U.S. in over twenty years.
For years, parents have had to choose between mineral sunscreens that leave a white cast and older chemical filters that can be unstable. Bemotrizinol aims to bridge that gap.
Efficacy & Benefits
Bemotrizinol is a “broad-spectrum” filter. This means it protects against both UVB rays (which cause sunburns) and UVA rays (which lead to deeper skin damage and aging).
- Photostability: Unlike some older filters like Avobenzone, Bemotrizinol doesn’t break down quickly when exposed to sunlight. It actually helps stabilize other ingredients in the bottle, making the entire product last longer on the skin.
- High Absorption: It is highly efficient at absorbing UV energy and converting it into tiny amounts of heat.
- Cosmetic Elegance: It doesn’t leave the thick, white residue typical of zinc or titanium-based mineral sunscreens.
Safety & Side Effects
The FDA has labeled Bemotrizinol as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) for use in adults and children 6 months and older.
Sources:
- FDA: FDA Expands Sunscreen Options for the First Time in 20 Years (June 2026)
- Contemporary Pediatrics: New sunscreen ingredient clears FDA for the first time since the 1990s
- Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology: Preliminary clinical pharmacokinetic evaluation of bemotrizinol (2023)
