Hi, I’m Megan. I’ve worn a lot of sunscreen in my 41 years, and it’s made me very picky, especially when it comes to what I put on my face. I don’t like heavy, greasy-feeling sunscreens that clog my pores, mineral sunscreens that leave my skin looking chalky, or chemical sunscreens that burn my sensitive eyes.
If you’re not super happy with the usual sunscreen options, you might have a reason to celebrate now. In June 2026, the FDA announced that it had approved a new active sunscreen ingredient for the first time since the late 1990s. The first sunscreens using the active ingredient bemotrizinol have just gone on sale, and I had to get my hands on one.
My first thought when I received my order in the mail was that the tube was smaller than I expected. I hope that this is just because it’s a new product, and that if it gets popular, they’ll release a larger size.
When I applied it, the sunscreen went on smoothly and blended easily into my skin. I noticed a slight sunscreen smell, but it’s not overpowering. Once it’s rubbed in, it basically disappears. It doesn’t feel greasy or look super shiny after it’s had a few minutes to settle.
The first few times I applied it, I didn’t notice any stinging in my eyes. I also put it to the test and wore it before one of my sweatiest workouts. Even when I was dripping with sweat, the sunscreen didn’t run into my eyes and burn the crap out of me, as many other sunscreens do.
I’ve been wearing it for about a week and a half, and it hasn’t triggered any new bumps or breakouts. One night, I was so tired that I went to bed without washing my face, which normally triggers a new zit or two. I woke up still looking nice and clear. I actually think my skin is starting to look a little bit brighter and more even in tone.
Overall, I liked using this sunscreen, but I still had more questions about it, so I reached out to Dr. Melanie Palm. She’s a board-certified medical dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Palm explained that this new SPF actually provides the skin with more protection from a wider spectrum of light. “It absorbs across both UVA and UVB wavelengths, whereas many of the sunscreen filters we’ve traditionally relied on in the US are better at one part of the UV spectrum than another and need to be combined to create adequate broad-spectrum coverage.”
And she says that bemotrizinol-based sunscreens tend to be more “cosmetically elegant,” meaning that they feel better on the skin than the thick, goopy, greasy sunscreens I grew up with. “That last part matters more than people sometimes realize,” she said. “If a sunscreen feels heavy, greasy, or unpleasant on the skin, patients simply aren’t going to wear it consistently.”
Dr. Palm also says this new sunscreen is safe for most skin. “The safety data suggests it has a low potential for irritation and sensitization, and the FDA considers it appropriate for sunscreen use in adults and children 6 months and older.”
You may have heard reports in recent years about certain chemicals in US sunscreens that have been detected in the bloodstream after topical use. I asked Dr. Palm if this is an issue with the new filter as well, and she had a very reassuring response. “Bemotrizinol is a relatively large molecule and doesn’t readily penetrate through the skin. In the studies submitted to the FDA, blood levels were extremely low, and there wasn’t evidence of meaningful accumulation in the body with repeated application.”
Whether you’re a daily SPF user or just put it on now and then, it’s really nice to have more choices out there. Overall, I really liked using Neutrogena’s take on the new sunscreen filter. It’s easy, comfortable, and my skin seems to like it, which is a win/win/win in my book.
What’s your sunscreen vibe? Are you excited to try the new filter? Let me know what you think in the comments.
