For more than two decades, sunscreen options in the United States have been shaped by a relatively limited list of approved active ingredients. That may be poised to change. In late 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule that would permit the use of bemotrizinol, a broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) filter that has long been used in parts of Europe and Asia, pending final regulatory review.If finalized, the proposal would mark the first significant expansion of the U.S. sunscreen ingredient list since the late 1990s — a development closely watched by dermatologists, public health experts, and the skincare industry.

A Potential Shift in U.S. Sunscreen Standards: What Bemotrizinol Means for Consumers

Why U.S. Sunscreen Ingredients Have Changed So Slowly

Unlike cosmetics in many other markets, sunscreen in the U.S. is regulated as an over-the-counter drug. This framework requires extensive safety and efficacy data before new active ingredients can be approved. As a result, American consumers have had access to fewer UV filters than their counterparts abroad, despite the ongoing global evolution of sunscreen technology. The FDA’s current review reflects growing pressure to modernize standards while maintaining rigorous safety oversight, particularly as skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States.

What Bemotrizinol Is — and What It Isn’t

Bemotrizinol is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays and is known for its photostability, meaning it does not break down easily when exposed to sunlight. Studies reviewed by regulators indicate low levels of skin absorption, a factor often considered in safety evaluations. However, experts emphasize that regulatory review is still ongoing. Approval would not guarantee superior performance, but rather expand the formulation options available to manufacturers under FDA guidelines.

What Approval Could Mean for Consumers

What Approval Could Mean for Consumers

If approved, bemotrizinol could allow for more flexibility in sunscreen formulation, including lighter textures and improved wearability — factors that dermatologists say may encourage more consistent daily use. Public health guidance continues to recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as part of a comprehensive sun-protection strategy. For now, consumers should view the FDA’s proposal as a step in a longer regulatory process, not an immediate change to store shelves.