Ultra Violette Launches U.S. Sunscreen With Bemotrizinol
August 31, 2026 · 8:53 p.m. ET
Ultra Violette has launched Unblock Screen SPF 50 Breakout-Friendly SKINSCREEN, a $40 U.S. sunscreen made with 3% bemotrizinol, 10% zinc oxide, and 6% octocrylene.[1][2]
The launch is notable because FDA added bemotrizinol to the OTC sunscreen monograph in June 2026, making it the first new permitted U.S. sunscreen active in 20 years.[3]
What launched
Unblock Screen is a 50 mL SPF 50 sunscreen positioned for oily, acne-prone, and reactive skin. Ultra Violette describes it as a soft-matte hybrid formula designed to blur pores and control shine while providing broad-spectrum protection.[1][2]
Ultra Violette says Unblock Screen is the first U.S. sunscreen launched with bemotrizinol. It is available through UltraVioletteSPF.com and Sephora.com, with Sephora store availability scheduled for October 2, 2026.[1]
Why it matters
U.S. sunscreen formulas have relied on the same limited set of permitted filters for years. Bemotrizinol gives formulators another broad-spectrum option and opens the door to different filter combinations.
That does not make a bemotrizinol sunscreen automatically better. Texture, white cast, eye comfort, tolerability, and whether someone will apply enough and reapply still matter more to the everyday buying decision.
What we know
FDA permits bemotrizinol at concentrations up to 6% in nonprescription sunscreen products. Unblock Screen uses 3%.[2][3]
Ultra Violette says a dermatologist-supervised 28-day evaluation of 21 people with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin found fewer non-inflammatory blemishes and blackheads, along with favorable feedback on shine control and blurring.[2]
The testing is small and brand-reported. It does not establish that bemotrizinol itself reduces breakouts or that the formula will suit every acne-prone or sensitive shopper.
What we’re watching
BB will be watching how quickly other U.S. sunscreen brands adopt bemotrizinol and whether new formulas using the filter deliver meaningful improvements in texture, eye comfort, white cast, or everyday wear.
Sources
Ultra Violette. “Ultra Violette Becomes First Brand in the US to Launch a Sunscreen Containing Newly FDA-Approved Filter Bemotrizinol.” PR Newswire. August 31, 2026. Used to verify the U.S. launch, company first-to-market claim, price, and announced Sephora availability.
Ultra Violette. “Unblock Screen SPF 50 Breakout-Friendly SKINSCREEN 50ml.” Official U.S. product page. Used to verify the active ingredients, ingredient list, product positioning, price, and company-reported 28-day evaluation.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “FDA Expands Sunscreen Options for the First Time in 20 Years.” June 9, 2026. Used to verify that FDA added bemotrizinol to the OTC sunscreen monograph and permits it at concentrations up to 6%.