Okay, we get it – we’re gonna be talking science-y stuff so unless you’re regularly donning a lab coat or v. into your ingredients, Vi’s somewhat shaky math says that we’ve probably got about 10 seconds to retain your interest in this topic.
Oh and look, we’ve already wasted about 8.6 of them making self-deprecating jokes! Sorry, kinda. Nah but for real tho, if you’ll permit us another couple mins we’d love to wax lyrical about one seriously unsung hero that’s hiding in a bunch of Vi’s SKINSCREENS™ – Bemotrizinol, also known by her stage names Tinosorb S, BEMT or PARSOL® Shield.
Bemotrizinol is one of Vi’s MVP active sunscreen agents and one of the few new UV filters that can be used (almost) worldwide and guess what, it has finally got the green light in the U.S. Here's why you’re gonna want to pay attention to this innovative new filter, which is set to show the globe why Australian sunscreen is the best there is.
What is BEMT (bemotrizinol), and is it allowed in US sunscreen?
BEMT, short for bemotrizinol, is a next-generation chemical sunscreen filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. On June 9, 2026, the FDA added it to the list of permitted US sunscreen ingredients, making it the newest sunscreen filter available in the US.
But BEMT isn’t new to Ultra Violette. It’s been used in sunscreens around the world for years, valued for its broad-spectrum protection, excellent photostability and formulation versatility. Bringing a new sunscreen filter to the US requires a rigorous FDA review process, which is why it’s taken longer to arrive stateside.
Drawing on years of Australian SPF expertise, we’re bringing this advanced UV protection to the US in two formulas: Unblock Screen SPF 50, an airy, breakout-friendly cream with a soft-matte finish, and Fave Screen SPF 50, an ultra-lightweight, milky sunscreen with a fresh, dewy finish.
Why is Bemotrizinol so great?
This active sunscreen agent has a much lighter chemical load than its predecessors, which have gotten themselves a bit of a bad rap for causing reactions in certain skin types or stinging the eyes on application.
A lesser chemical load also means that Bemotrizinol makes for far more efficient sun protection, politely saving space in the formula for other skincare actives that can be included to benefit the skin (meaning your SKINSCREEN™ works even harder for your skin – we love to see it).
So what does that have to do with Australian sunscreen?
Well, as proud Aussies we’re perhaps a little biassed when we say that Australian sunscreen reigns supreme, but our environmental conditions (and our stricter-than-strict regulators) totally back this up.
Australians are subjected to some of the harshest sun on the planet, so our regulators rightly take their jobs very, very seriously. For a sunscreen – or in this case, a next-gen sunscreen filter – to hit the shelves in Australia, you better believe it’s the most effective and protective there is.
Australian sunscreen is legit, which is why its considered so trustworthy and industry-leading worldwide. Bemotrizinol is one of the reasons international SPFs feel—and perform—nothing like the sunscreens you grew up with. So when Bemotrizinol gained the seal of approval for use in the U.S., we snapped her up and slid her into... oh, wait. Can’t tell you that just yet.
Which Ultra Violette sunscreen contains BEMT in the US?
Unblock Screen SPF 50 is available now in the US, and Fave Screen SPF 50 is coming in late 2026. Both contain bemotrizinol (BEMT), a next-generation UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Choose Unblock Screen for an airy hybrid formula combining BEMT with mineral zinc oxide, with a soft-matte finish ideal for oily, combination and breakout-prone skin.
Choose Fave Screen for an ultra-lightweight, milky texture with a fresh, dewy finish, ideal for combination to dry skin. Join the Fave Screen waitlist to be among the first to hear when it launches!
Are BEMT and bemotrizinol the same ingredient?
Yes! BEMT is short for bemotrizinol, a next-generation chemical sunscreen filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. On June 9, 2026, the FDA added it to the list of permitted US sunscreen ingredients, making it the newest sunscreen filter available in the US.
But BEMT isn’t new to Ultra Violette. It’s been used in sunscreens around the world for years, valued for its broad-spectrum protection, excellent photostability and formulation versatility. Bringing a new sunscreen filter to the US requires a rigorous FDA review process, which is why it’s taken longer to arrive stateside.
Drawing on years of Australian SPF expertise, we’re bringing this advanced UV protection to the US in two formulas: Unblock Screen SPF 50, an airy, breakout-friendly cream with a soft-matte finish, and Fave Screen SPF 50, an ultra-lightweight, milky sunscreen with a fresh, dewy finish.
Do I still need to reapply Unblock Screen if it contains BEMT?
Yes! Just like any sunscreen with UV filters, Unblock Screen SPF 50 needs to be reapplied at least every two hours. While bemotrizinol (BEMT) provides broad-spectrum protection, it doesn’t change standard sunscreen reapplication guidelines. Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure.
See? That was so worth it! Now if you haven’t already, follow us to be the first to get your hands on the next generation of US SPF.
