Bemotrizinol

Organic UV filter1–5%

A photostable broad-spectrum filter covering UVB and UVA, central to modern Australian and European sunscreens.

What it is

Bemotrizinol absorbs both UVB and UVA, and it helps protect more fragile filters such as avobenzone, so small amounts lift both SPF and UVA protection. Its large molecule stays mostly on the skin surface, which suits daily-wear and sensitive-skin formulas.

Good for

Broad spectrum protectionHigh SPFUVA protectionSensitive skinLightweight sun protection

How it works

Bemotrizinol has two absorption peaks, around 310 nm in UVB and 340 nm in UVA, so one molecule covers both. It releases absorbed energy quickly as heat, which keeps it stable and lets it calm excited avobenzone molecules too.

Ratings

Evidence

5/5

Well-characterised and photostable, with EU and US assessments.

Gentleness

5/5

Very few irritation or allergy reports, and minimal penetration.

Formulation difficulty

3/5

Powder with limited solubility that needs polar oils to dissolve.

Cost

4/5

Speciality filter, priced well above commodity filters.

Popularity

5/5

A staple of Australian next-generation filter launches.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

None noted.

Formulations it suits

Lotion Cream Gel-cream SPF mist or spray

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	Permitted up to 10% in ARTG-listed sunscreens under the approved name bemotrizinol, and used in Australian sunscreens long before the US allowed it.
European Union	Annex VI allows 10%, the same as Australia, under the INCI name Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine.
United States	Added to the FDA monograph at up to 6%, effective 9 August 2026. For 18 months only DSM and its licensees may market sunscreens with it, and propellant must not touch the formula.
Japan	Japan's cosmetic UV-filter list caps it at 3% and does not allow it in lip or other mucous-membrane products, well below Australia's 10%.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

1–5%0525%

Solubility

Oil-solubleWater-dispersible

1–5% gives broad UVA and UVB cover and stabilises avobenzone. It is oil-soluble but needs enough good solvent oils to stay dissolved.

INCI	Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Also known as	Tinosorb S (BASF), Parsol Shield (dsm-firmenich), BEMT
Origin	synthetic

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Oil phase, dissolved hot in polar oils. At 25 °C about 12% dissolves in C12-15 alkyl benzoate, 5% in caprylic/capric triglyceride and under 0.5% in ethanol (BASF). How much the oil phase can dissolve usually sets the ceiling, and it can recrystallise in low-polarity oils or alcohol-heavy sprays.

Stability

Confirm there are no crystals after freeze–thaw cycling. Water-dispersed grades suit gels.

Regulatory, Australia

Permitted sunscreen active, maximum 10% (Permissible Ingredients Determination No. 3 2026), with bemotrizinol as the Australian Approved Name. Primary sunscreens and moisturisers advertised above SPF 15 are therapeutic goods, usually ARTG-listed (AUST L), tested to AS/NZS 2604 and labelled with approved names and set warnings; sunscreen lip products and tinted foundations that meet the Determination’s conditions are excluded.

Claims to take care with

Use only TGA-permitted indications, such as 'SPF 50+ broad spectrum very high protection', and skin-cancer, sunspot or solar keratosis claims need broad spectrum SPF 30 or more. 'Next-generation filter' is marketing language, not an indication, so keep it factual.