Introduction Clinical features Alternative names Further information
Bemotrizinol is a chemical substance that is used in sunscreen products. It is able to absorb the full spectrum of both UVA and UVB rays. It also has the added advantage of being photostable so is often formulated with less photostable UV blockers such as avobenzone. These combination sunscreens are more stable and do not degrade and lose effectiveness on exposure to sunlight.
Bemotrizinol is approved for use in Europe and Australasia. It is marketed under the brand names Tinosorb S and Escalol S. It is currently awaiting FDA approval so is not available in the USA.
Bemotrizinol when formulated with bisoctrizole appears to create a sunscreen that has increased SPF. Based on the maximum concentration permitted by European legislation, it is the most effective UV absorber available as measured by SPF.
Because bemotrizinol is relatively new to the sunscreen market there are few reports or studies available documenting its adverse effects and long term use. Studies to date have shown it to have a good safety profile. It is not significantly absorbed into the skin and rarely causes skin irritation. Unlike some other organic sunscreen agents, in vitro studies show that bemotrizinol does not appear to have hormonal effects. Further long-term human safety studies are required.
Formula: C38H49N3O5
CAS number: 187393-00-6
Cross reactions: unknown
