active
Bemotrizinol
On December 11, 2025, the FDA proposed adding bemotrizinol (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine) as a permitted UV filter in U.S. OTC sunscreens — the first new monograph filter in over 20 years. Photostable, broad-spectrum UVA+UVB, low skin absorption, permitted up to 6%. Closes the chronic UVA-protection gap in U.S. clean SPF formulation.
Benefits
- broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection
- photostable — does not degrade in sunlight
- low skin absorption, minimal irritation
Example uses
- broad-spectrum SPF
- tinted daily sunscreens
- anti-aging SPF moisturizers
Mechanism of action
A high-molecular-weight (627 Da), oil-soluble, photostable organic UV filter that absorbs across the UVB (290–320 nm) and UVA II (320–340 nm) ranges, with meaningful UVA I (340–380 nm) coverage — making it one of the few single-molecule broad-spectrum filters. The large size and lipophilic profile mean stratum-corneum retention with near-zero systemic absorption in pharmacokinetic studies. Also acts as a stabiliser for less photostable filters such as avobenzone in combination formulations.
Clinical evidence · High
Approved in EU, Asia, Australia for over two decades with extensive safety and SPF efficacy data; the December 2025 FDA proposed monograph addition reflects established international evidence rather than new findings.
Effective concentration range
Up to 6% (FDA proposed); up to 10% (EU/Asia)
Formulation notes
Multitasker — also enhances the efficacy of other UV filters in combination. Enables clean SPF without chalky mineral-only finish.
Watchouts
Synthetic origin may not satisfy strict 'all-natural' positioning — but cleaner persistence profile than older chemical filters.
Controversies & overclaims
The 20-year FDA monograph backlog itself is the headline controversy — bemotrizinol's safety and efficacy data have been available since the early 2000s, and the lag has measurably impacted US sun-protection options on melanin-rich skin (where elegant cast-free coverage matters most). Some 'clean' positioning rejects it on synthetic-origin grounds, despite it being arguably the cleanest persistence profile of any organic filter.
Market positioning
Sold by EU/Asian SPF brands (notably La Roche-Posay Anthelios and Bioderma Photoderm) as the modern broad-spectrum gold standard. Honest position: the dermatology consensus genuinely matches the marketing — this is the photo-protection upgrade the US market has been waiting for.
Comedogenicity
0 / 5
Sensitisation risk
Low
INCI & aliases
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Clean beauty perception
Emerging credibility — regulatory frontier for clean sun care over the next 2–3 years.
Related ingredients
Graph relationships
Timeline