Revolutionizing Sunscreen in the US: The Arrival of the First FDA-Approved New Filter in Over Two Decades

A landmark moment for American skincare arrived this week as Australian cult brand Ultra Violette became the first company in the United States to launch a sunscreen formulated with Bemotrizinol (BEMT) — the first new sunscreen active filter approved by the FDA in over 25 years. The historic approval was finalized on June 9, 2026.

The product, Unblock Screen™ SPF 50 Breakout-Friendly SKINSCREEN™, retails for $40 and is now available at ultraviolettespf.com and Sephora.com, with in-store availability at Sephora locations nationwide from October 2, 2026. It is a fragrance-free, soft-matte, lightweight whipped formula designed for breakout-prone, oily, and sensitive skin types. The hybrid formula combines BEMT with the chemical filter octocrylene and mineral filter zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection.

Experts note that compared with older chemical filters, BEMT causes fewer instances of skin irritation and is effective at lower concentrations, leaving more room in formulas for nourishing skincare actives. A clinical study of 20 participants found that 95% experienced a reduction in non-inflammatory blemishes. Ultra Violette co-founder Bec Jefferd said the brand has developed BEMT-powered products for nearly 10 years in its global range, allowing it to move swiftly once the ingredient cleared FDA review. A second BEMT product, Fave Screen™ SPF 50, is set to launch in January 2027.

Source: PR Newswire — August 31, 2026