FDA Proposes Bemotrizinol: The First New US Sunscreen Filter in Decades
If avobenzone leaves your skin stinging, the gentle broad-spectrum filter behind Asia's and Europe's best sunscreens may finally be coming to the US.
The FDA's proposed order would allow bemotrizinol at concentrations up to 6%, the first proposed new US sunscreen active in over two decades. The AADA noted the US 'lags behind many other countries that have nearly twice as many approved sunscreen ingredients.'
Dermatologists note that bemotrizinol 'rarely causes skin irritation' and shows minimal systemic absorption, which is why many specialists see it as well suited to sensitive and reactive skin.
Questions we get a lot
What exactly did the FDA propose in December 2025?
On December 11-12, 2025, the FDA issued a proposed administrative order (OTC000039) to add bemotrizinol as a generally recognized as safe and effective active ingredient at concentrations up to 6%. It is described as the first proposed new US sunscreen active in over 20 years. A final order would still be needed before products reach shelves.
Is bemotrizinol gentle enough for sensitive skin?
According to dermatology commentary on the proposal, bemotrizinol rarely causes skin irritation and shows minimal systemic absorption. That profile is part of why it is viewed as a good option for people who react to older filters. As always, patch testing a new product is sensible if your skin is reactive.
Why has the US had fewer sunscreen filters than Europe or Asia?
Coverage of the proposal explains that the US regulatory system has approved far fewer sunscreen actives than many other countries, leaving Americans with an older toolkit of filters. The AADA has said the US lags behind nations with nearly twice as many approved ingredients. The bemotrizinol proposal is widely framed as the US beginning to catch up.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Avobenzone always burns my eyes and stings my cheeks - will bemotrizinol actually be gentler if it gets approved?'