: a chemical compound C38H49N3O5 that absorbs UVA and UVB radiation and resists degradation when exposed to sunlight and that is used as an ingredient in sunscreens : bemotrizinol
… for the first time in over twenty-five years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new sunscreen ingredient—bemotrizinol, or BEMT—that dermatologists and skin care experts say is a safer option than many chemical ingredients currently in use in the United States.—Congressional Documents and Publications
The chemical structure of bemotrizinol is highly resistant to degradation when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. … BEMT remains stable even during prolonged sun exposure but should still be reapplied every two hours when outdoors, swimming or sweating.—John Shaff
This is the first time in over 25 years the FDA has approved a new chemical ingredient for sunscreen. Experts said products with BEMT protect against UVA and UVB rays, stay longer on the skin than the existing … sunscreen available in the U.S. and don't cause streaky white marks …—Lisa L. Colangelo
… the FDA added bemotrizinol (BEMT) to its list of permitted active ingredients …—Cindy Krischer Goodman

Examples of BEMT in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of bemotrizinol (BEMT) in sunscreens. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 15 June 2026 One ingredient in particular, called tinsosorb S or BEMT, has been used in Europe for over two decades and may soon be approved for use here. — Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2014, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of BEMT was in 2014

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Cite this Entry

“BEMT.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BEMT. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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