Is bemotrizinol safe in sunscreen for kids?

What the evidence says

Bemotrizinol is a sunscreen ingredient that has been used in Europe and many other countries for over 20 years. In Canada, it is already an approved ingredient under Health Canada's Primary Sunscreen Monograph, with a maximum allowed concentration of 6%. In 2026, the US FDA also added bemotrizinol to its approved sunscreen ingredient list, concluding it is generally recognized as safe and effective for both adults and children 6 months of age and older.

Studies submitted to regulators found that bemotrizinol has very low absorption into the bloodstream and a low rate of skin irritation or allergic reactions in adult volunteers. However, the FDA's own review noted that dedicated studies in infants and young children are limited, since most trials were done in adults; children have a higher skin-surface-to-body-size ratio, which can mean greater relative exposure to topically applied products. For babies under 6 months, both Canadian and US guidance still recommends checking with a health care provider before using any sunscreen, including bemotrizinol-containing ones, and prioritizing shade, hats and protective clothing instead.

Overall, based on current regulatory decisions and available safety data, bemotrizinol appears to be a reasonable, well-tolerated sunscreen ingredient for children over 6 months, though pediatric-specific research is thinner than the adult evidence base.