This summer marked a major milestone for the sunscreen industry. For the first time in over two decades, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new UV filter for use in sunscreens in the United States called bemotrizinol, or BEMT. After the 60 day waiting period for the Final Order to take effect, BEMT sunscreens are slowly hitting shelves, with four new launches from three brands: Ultra Violette, Neutrogena, and La Roche-Posay.
As a Senior Chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, I’ve tested hundreds of sunscreen formulas over the past decade. BEMT has been widely used in sunscreens in Europe, Asia, and Australia for years so I was beyond excited to try these new launches.
We tried the new BEMT sunscreens
Ultra Violette Unblock Screen SPF 50 Sunscreen was the first BEMT sunscreen to hit shelves. At SPF 50, it is one of the lower SPF values among the new launches I tried. It differs from the others as the only tinted option, combines BEMT with a mineral sunscreen active, and comes in a pump packaging. It has a mousse-like texture and a matte finish that is very reminiscent of mineral sunscreens, which I think would make this great for combo/ oily skin. The tint is very sheer on on my light skin tone.
| SPF Value | 50 |
| Active ingredients | Bemotrizinol 3%, Octocrylene 6%, Zinc Oxide 10% |
| Water resistance | No |
| Price per ounce | $23.5 |
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen has the highest SPF value of the BEMT sunscreens I tried, at SPF 70. This lightweight fluid absorbs quickly and leaves a soft, almost powdery feel. It doesn’t feel greasy and provides a smooth base for my everyday medium coverage foundation. Overall, I think it would be a great option for normal to oily skin.
| SPF Value | 70 |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), Bemotrizinol (6%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%) |
| Water resistance | No |
| Price per ounce | $12.1 |
Neutrogena Clear Face Acne Prone Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 60 applies easily onto skin and feels like a lightweight lotion. It’s a little more hydrating than Ultra Sheer and doesn’t have the powdery feel. Although it claims to be “formulated for acne prone skin,” I think most skin types looking for lightweight hydration may enjoy it too.
| SPF Value | 60 |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), Bemotrizinol (6%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%) |
| Water resistance | No |
| Price per ounce | $12.1 |
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50 has one of the lower SPF values in the group. When dispensed, it has a fluid texture similar to the two Neutrogena formulas. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly this lotion soaked into my skin, leaving it comfortably hydrated with a silky-smooth finish.
| SPF Value | 50 |
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), Bemotrizinol (2%), Homosalate (11%), Octisalate (5%) Octocrylene (6%) |
| Water resistance | No |
| Price per ounce | $23.5 |
The bottom line
For years, other countries have had access to newer UV filters, while US options remained limited due to FDA regulations. After more than 20 years, formulators now have a new ingredient to create more modern, innovative formulas.
After trying all four launches, I found that they’re all lightweight and absorb quickly sans the greasiness sometimes associated with chemical sunscreens. The non-tinted options didn’t have a noticeable white cast, as chemical sunscreens generally don’t. All four are face sunscreens that are not water resistant, making them a good fit for daily use. I’m looking forward to see BEMT slowly roll into body and water-resistant formulas, too.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Good Housekeeping Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek has evaluated hundreds of sunscreens for the face and body for more than a decade. For this article, she personally tried all the new BEMT formulas and shared her firsthand impressions.
