Plus, Dr. Rebecca Baxt’s Preferred Sunscreen Ingredient!
Plus, Dr. Rebecca Baxt’s Preferred Sunscreen Ingredient!
Sun safety and protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are widely recognized as essential for preventing sun damage. However, many people don’t know which sunscreen or sunblock offers the best protection. Until June 9, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized only two mineral sunscreen active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE).
As of June 9th, the FDA has added a third active ingredient to its list of permitted sunscreen active ingredients: bemotrizinol. This marks the first time in two decades that consumers have access to a new over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen option.
According to the FDA release, “Bemotrizinol provides protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays and has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body. [Furthermore,] the FDA considers bemotrizinol to be generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) for use in sunscreens by adults and children 6 months of age and older.” 1
“This is a welcome addition to our armamentarium,” says Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a board-certified dermatologist. “This chemical has been used overseas for many years and appears to work well and should not be greasy or sticky or give a white cast. However, my favorite sunscreen ingredient is still zinc oxide.” Dr. Baxt continues, “We’ve come a long way from the old, white, greasy, thick applications of zinc as there are many newer formulas that are light and do not leave a white cast.”
Dr. Baxt recommends zinc as the most effective sunscreen ingredient because it functions as a true sunblock, reflecting light rather than absorbing it, and is an inert, stable compound.
Dr. Rebecca Baxt, Board Certified Dermatologist
With the long summer months upon us, it’s more important than ever to understand how to protect your skin from sun damage. Regardless of the season or the weather, your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays year-round, and consistent protection is essential.
Dr. Rebecca Baxt emphasizes to her BAXT CosMedical® patients that UV exposure accumulates over time and can lead to premature aging, sunspots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. While the FDA’s approval of bemotrizinol offers consumers a new sunscreen option for the first time in twenty years, she continues to prefer zinc-based formulas for their stability, broad-spectrum coverage, and long-standing safety profile.
As sunscreen options expand, choosing the right product can feel overwhelming. A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Baxt can help you understand your skin’s needs and select the most effective protection for your lifestyle. Your skin is with you for life, so investing in its health is always worth it.
If you live in Paramus, NJ, Bergen County, or the Tri-State area and would like a skin consultation with Dr. Rebecca Baxt, contact us today!
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1 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026, June 9). FDA Expands Sunscreen Options for the First Time in 20 Years. FDA.gov. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-sunscreen-options-first-time-20-years
