A major shift in U.S. sun protection standards has arrived: Bemotrizinol (BEMT), marketed by BASF as Tinosorb S, has been approved by FDA as a sunscreen active ingredient—marking the first new UV filter clearance in 27 years.

 

The approval brings one of the world’s most widely used modern UV filters into the American market for the first time, signaling what experts are calling a significant upgrade in available sunscreen technology for U.S. consumers.

 

Originally developed by Ciba Specialty Chemicals and later absorbed into BASF’s portfolio, Bemotrizinol is now positioned as a cornerstone addition to next-generation sun protection formulations in the United States.

 

Known chemically as Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tinosorb S is a high-performance broad-spectrum UVB and UVA  filter already widely used internationally. With FDA approval secured, BASF is now moving to introduce it into the U.S. personal care market.

 

“Tinosorb S represents decades of BASF innovation in photoprotection,” said Brandon Crist, Vice President, Business Management at BASF Personal Care Americas. “Following this FDA approval, we are proud to introduce this advanced UV filter to the U.S. market, providing formulators a new opportunity to deliver the high-performance, broad-spectrum sun protection that today’s consumers demand.”

 

A long-range shield against UV damage

Engineered for broad and reliable coverage, Tinosorb S absorbs across the full UVB and UVA spectrum, with peak absorption at approximately 310 nm and 340 nm. Its photostability has made it a global benchmark ingredient, maintaining performance even under prolonged, high-intensity sunlight exposure.

 

Beyond direct UV filtering, it also functions as a photostabilizer—helping to reinforce more light-sensitive ingredients like avobenzone and improving the durability of UVA protection systems. In the U.S. market, where strong UVA coverage options have been comparatively limited, Tinosorb S enables formulations to achieve critical wavelength performance above 370 nm when combined with avobenzone or Z-COTE zinc oxides.

 

Its large molecular structure also results in low skin penetration, reducing irritation risk and making it particularly suitable for sensitive-skin and high-performance sunscreen products.