There’s a New Sunscreen on the Block But That Does Not Alter My Advice Much

Angelika Rampal MD | June 25, 2026

For the first time in over twenty years, the FDA approved a new sunscreen ingredient, Bemotrizinol. Bemotrizinol is a chemical sunscreen, commonly used outside of the United States, with a safety and efficacy profile superior to chemical sunscreens currently used within the US. Chemical sunscreens filter UV rays while mineral sunscreens — which are zinc or titanium based —  physically block out the rays, leaving a characteristic white sheen. 

What does this mean for you? And what does this mean for your child? 

For starters, this is good news. We needed a better option for adults. Bemotrizinol has several qualities that make it a great sunscreen:

  1. It is more photostable than other chemical sunscreens on the market. Current chemical sunscreens in the US market degrade in heat— like when you leave a tube on the pool chair for a few hours or in your car for a few days— rendering them less effective at their next application. 
  2. It is less likely to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Due to its larger molecular size and weight, it sits on the surface of skin whereas other lighter, smaller chemical sunscreens are more readily absorbed. While it’s not completely clear if the accumulation of these chemicals is bad, I prefer to minimize chemical accumulation in my body and the bodies of those I love. 
  3. It appears to be more reef-friendly. Chemical sunscreens, along with some of the inactive ingredients in sunscreens, contribute to the loss of coral reefs. Studies found Bemotrizinol to be less damaging to sensitive marine life. 
  4. It blocks out UVA and UVB rays, providing more complete protection with a transparent look on the skin. Since Bemotrizinol blends invisibly into the skin instead of sitting on top of it, you get broad-spectrum protection without the telltale white cast of zinc or titanium sunscreens. 
  5. It does not appear to interact with your hormones, a problem associated with some chemical sunscreens. 

When it comes to kids, I still recommend sticking with zinc or titanium-based sunscreens. These are not absorbed into the bloodstream (stick to non-nano versions to ensure this) and are less likely to cause allergic reactions. But if I have a teen who is unwilling to use a daily sunblock because of cosmetic concerns, I would prefer they use a Bemotrizinol based sunscreen instead of  no sunscreen at all. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t review the most important sun protection strategies: 

  • Broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, UV protective clothing, and shade to keep the sun off your body are always more effective than sunscreen. 
  • For sunscreen use, pre-apply 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure proper absorption and reapply every 2 hours. Remember to re-apply more frequently if you’re swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
  • Use about a teaspoon of sunscreen for each arm, leg, and face (about one ounce per person). Consider investing in family size sunscreens. 
  • I recommend hand and face protection with sunscreen and hats everyday, even in the winter. 
  • For optimal protection, avoid peak sun (and UV) hours: usually between 10 am – 4pm, or use hats, UV protective clothing, and adequate amounts of sunscreen when outdoors during these times. Moderate UV is usually defined between 3-5, while high UV is considered above index of 6. 

Takeaways

Bemotrizinol, likely safer and more effective than other chemical sunscreen options in the US, is a long needed addition to our sunscreen options. 

Nevertheless, for children especially, I prefer mineral sunscreens, like zinc and titanium, which physically block damaging UV rays, are naturally more heat resistant, less likely to cause allergic reactions, and less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Yes, they leave a thick, white sheen, but, hey, you know they are working. 

Read here for more guidance on choosing a sunscreen, or, if you just want to know what to buy, here are some specifics on my favorite sunscreens for teens, babies, kids, and grown-ups. 

Thank you for reading my human-generated articles! If you found this helpful or educational, please share, follow on your preferred platform, or subscribe below. For concierge parent coaching or consultations, please contact me at www.DrAngel.com. 

For more perspective on what it takes to have and raise a thriving little human, check out my podcast, The Unplanned Parent, on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen or watch. 

References: 

Turner, Clayton Wade, and Leslie Torgerson. “Modernizing U.S. Sunscreen Regulations: How Newer Filters Can Improve Public Health.” Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine vol. 41,5 (2025): e70032. doi:10.1111/phpp.70032

Ziglar, Jasira et al. “Sunscreens: Updates on Sunscreen Filters and Formulations.” Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine vol. 41,3 (2025): e70026. doi:10.1111/phpp.70026

Lebaron, P. “UV filters and their impact on marine life: state of the science, data gaps, and next steps.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV vol. 36 Suppl 6 (2022): 22-28. doi:10.1111/jdv.18198

Schneider, Samantha L, and Henry W Lim. “Review of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology vol. 80,1 (2019): 266-271. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.06.033