A new sunscreen type for Americans hits store shelves

Key Points:

• BEMT is a new chemical sunscreen ingredient in the U.S. that offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, filling a gap in UVA protection previously addressed by mixing multiple ingredients or using mineral-based sunscreens.
• Unlike older chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone, BEMT has minimal skin absorption due to its larger molecular size, leading the FDA to classify it as "generally recognized as safe and effective" after reviewing studies showing low absorption and no irritation.
• Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide strong UV protection but often cause white streaks or texture issues, especially for people with darker skin tones; BEMT offers an alternative for those seeking chemical-based options without these drawbacks.
• Environmental concerns remain, as some sunscreen ingredients contribute to coral reef damage, but current evidence on BEMT's environmental impact is limited and more research is needed; mineral sunscreens are generally considered safer for marine ecosystems.
• BEMT is more photostable than older UVA-filtering chemicals like avobenzone, which degrade quickly in sunlight, but dermatologists emphasize that sunscreen should be part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy including reapplication, shade, hats, and protective clothing.