I Tried the First BEMT Sunscreens to Launch in the US—Here’s How They Wear

When people ask me what my favorite sunscreens are, I almost exclusively tell them about the French and Korean formulas that I hoard back from my travels (special shout-outs to the Caudalie Vinosun High Protection Glow Oil and Fromier EGF Cica Water Sun Ampoule). The textures work better for my acne-prone skin and just feel so good when I slather them on. But the more impressive feat, of course, is the advanced formulations and ingredients that haven’t made their way to the US—until now.

Earlier this year marked the first time since the 1990s that the US Food & Drug Administration has approved a new sunscreen filter to be used stateside: meet BEMT. Vogue’s Guide to BEMT Sunscreens Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50 with BEMT, $40 Best Blurred Finish: Ultra Violette Unblock Sunscreen SPF 50, $40 Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Face Sunscreen Acne-Prone Skin SPF 60, $20 Best for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 70, $20 More formally known as bemotrizinol, BEMT is a chemical sunscreen filter that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Compared to other sunscreens in the States that combine different ingredients and filters to provide sun protection, BEMT works to protect skin not only from the UVB rays that cause skin cancer, but also the UVA rays that cause skin aging and hyperpigmentation in a single filter.

Charlene Valledor, cosmetic chemist and president of SOS Beauty, adds that it is a more photostable ingredient and provides longer-lasting protection. Corinne Erickson, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Georgia Skin Specialists, agrees and adds that it’s a large molecule that won’t absorb through the skin and into our bloodstreams, which is a main concern for many when it comes to chemical formulas. Sunscreens with BEMT also blend in more seamlessly and won’t leave behind a white cast, which makes it a great option for those with darker skin tones.

But BEMT is not new and it’s been used by many parts of the world for decades. While this is an exciting development in the US sunscreen space, we’re still playing catch up ingredient-wise to places like Korea, Australia, and Europe. Erickson says that it’s just great to have more options available to encourage more people to use sunscreen daily.

So if this has piqued your interest and you’re curious how BEMT sunscreens actually perform, we’ve done the hard part and tested them for you. Read on to see which ones are actually worth it. Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50 with BEMT Why We Love It: La Roche-Posay’s UVDefense packs quite a punch in the sun protection department.

Along with the BEMT filter, you’ll also find that it comes with strong antioxidant protection so that your skin isn’t suffering against environmental stressors as well as broad-spectrum protection at SPF 50. But what makes it really stand out is its texture. It’s a light milky lotion that’s creamy smooth and absorbs so well into skin you almost forget that you’re wearing sunscreen, and it’s super hydrating (it boasts hydration for over 24 hours), making your skin feel extra soft and nourished.