Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, on Bemotrizinol Approval and Its Role in US Sun Protection

“We have some of the hottest news in sun protection in over 20 years in the United States that just came down in the last 24 hours,” said Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, in an exclusive video.

Bunick, associate professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine and editor in chief of Dermatology Times, addressed yesterday’s FDA approval of bemotrizinol as an OTC sunscreen active ingredient, the first addition to the US sunscreen monograph in over 20 years.¹ Bunick outlined the molecular properties, safety profile, and clinical relevance of bemotrizinol for dermatology providers and their patients.

Broad-Spectrum Coverage and Molecular Profile

Bemotrizinol is a broad-spectrum chemical UV absorber with coverage across both the UVA and UVB spectrum, providing protection against aging, skin cancer, and sunburn. Unlike smaller-molecule chemical absorbers such as avobenzone, bemotrizinol's larger molecular size limits skin penetration. "It's a larger molecule than some of our well-known chemical absorbers to date, such as avobenzone. This larger molecule of bemotrizinol doesn't penetrate the skin as easily, so you have less systemic absorption, potentially making it safer," Bunick said. The FDA approved the ingredient for use in adults and children as young as 6 months of age, expanding prescribing flexibility across age groups.

Photostability and Cosmetic Elegance

One of the key advantages Bunick highlighted is bemotrizinol's photostability. Chemical absorbers such as avobenzone require stabilizers to maintain efficacy in sunlight, while bemotrizinol's molecular structure allows it to last longer without breaking down. Cosmetic acceptability is another differentiator: unlike mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc, which leave a chalky white cast, bemotrizinol applies transparently. "What do I mean by cosmetically elegant? Well, it goes on transparently," Bunick said. He added bemotrizinol can be combined with mineral-based sunscreens such as zinc, which may yield high-quality broad-spectrum formulations.

Public Health Implications

Bunick framed the approval in the broader context of skin cancer prevention, noting ongoing challenges with UV protection compliance in the United States across all age groups. "This is an incredibly important moment in sun protection in the United States, where we still struggle with skin cancers, whether they're non-melanoma or melanoma skin cancers," Bunick said. He cited continued tanning bed use and inadequate sun protection behaviors, including among youth, as persistent concerns.² The hope, he said, is bemotrizinol can spur renewed innovation around sunscreen formulations, aesthetics, and functionality.

References

1. FDA expands sunscreen options for the first time in 20 years. News release. US Food and Drug Administration. June 9, 2026. Accessed June 10, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-sunscreen-options-first-time-20-years
2. General and plastic surgery devices: restricted sale, distribution, and use of sunlamp products; withdrawal of proposed rule. Fed Register. 2026:91(50):12524. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-16/pdf/2026-05103.pdf