FDA Approves Bemotrizinol. What Outdoor Athletes Should Know.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol this week, on Tuesday, June 9. The chemical compound has been safely used in sunscreens sold in Europe, Australia, and some Asian countries, and dermatologists are excited that it will now be available in the U.S. The approval of this sunscreen active ingredient marks the first of its kind since the late nineties, according to the FDA’s latest news report.

Outside spoke with dermatologists to learn how bemotrizinol works—and why it’s a great pick for outdoor athletes. Here’s what you should know.

What Is Bemotrizinol and How Well Does It Protect the Skin From the Sun?

“Bemotrizinol is an excellent chemical filter for athletes who spend a lot of time outside,” says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist who provides both cosmetic and medical skin procedures like skin cancer treatment in New York City, New York.

Bemotrizinol is a broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) filter that provides protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. “Typical U.S. sunscreens effectively block UVB rays but may underestimate the power of UVA on your skin,” says Green. “UVA rays have a significant impact on the skin, often penetrating deeper and contributing to premature aging and even cancer,” she told Outside. It’s also safe for children who are older than six months and adults.

Dr. Helen He, a New York-based dermatologist with a background in treating inflammatory skin diseases and aging skin, says the ingredient bemotrizinol is also photostable. “This means it does not degrade with sun exposure, unlike many of the other organic filters currently available in the U.S., making it a great option for those who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors,” says He.

Sunscreens containing bemotrizinol may be more comfortable and more protective, too, says Green. “Bemotrizinol has a large molecular size, which allows it to remain [largely] on the skin’s surface even when wet,” potentially making it less likely to run into the eyes during exercise or when sweating a lot. She adds, “It is also less greasy; does not leave white, ghostly residue on the skin [like mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide]; and rarely causes skin irritation.”

Can Bemotrizinol Last During Long or High-Intensity Outdoor Activities?

Bemotrizinol sunscreens aren’t all the same, and the degree to which a bemotrizinol sunscreen is waterproof will depend on other aspects of its formulation, says He. She adds that, like other sunscreens, bemotrizinol sunscreens can definitely be wiped off by towels or clothes or during intense physical activity like a long run or hike.

All that said, bemotrizinol sunscreens won’t necessarily last longer than sunscreens made with other ingredients, so all athletes (especially anyone spending a lot of time in the water or if you’re sweating a lot) need to reapply frequently. Green recommends reapplying every 90 minutes.

Is Bemotrizinol Good for the Environment?

It may be easier on the environment, but there’s some nuance to keep in mind. Bemotrizinol sunscreens may be kinder to ocean life. “Unlike other chemical sunscreen filters, bemotrizinol has not been linked to coral bleaching or disruption of marine life,” says Green. “It also does not bioaccumulate in marine environments.” That’s a notable upgrade from ingredients like oxybenzone, which has shown coral toxicity in lab studies.

The caveat? The term “reef-safe” isn’t regulated, and long-term ocean data on bemotrizinol are still emerging—but the early picture looks promising.

The Bottom Line on Bemotrizinol Sunscreens

Dermatologists say that the approval of bemotrizinol is a step in the right direction. “For athletes who spend significant time outdoors, bemotrizinol is an exciting new tool that can improve photoprotection by offering a highly photostable, broad-spectrum UV filter that is also cosmetically elegant,” says He. “Now that it is FDA-approved, I am excited that in the near future, there will be improved sunscreen formulations for endurance athletes and active individuals that were not previously available.”

But bemotrizinol is not a magic bullet, and bemotrizinol sunscreens should not constitute your whole sun protection plan. “It is still important to reapply frequently, choose a water-resistant formula, seek shade, and wear sun-protective clothing, ideally with UPF [ultraviolet protection factor] protection, wherever possible, says He.

Want more Outside health stories? Sign up for the Bodywork newsletter.