La Roche-Posay's BEMT Sunscreen Leads 2026 Best-of Lineup

By Daniel Okafor

Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT, $40, is among the first US sunscreens to contain 2% bemotrizinol — a UV filter newly approved by the FDA and the first new one cleared in more than two decades. Allure's editors and a panel of dermatologists tested La Roche-Posay's 25 sunscreens and named UVDefense the best chemical formula of 2026.

BEMT protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is photostable, meaning it does not break down in sunlight. The formula pairs the filter with antioxidants and moisturizers including glycerin, butylene glycol and dimethicone. "It's silky on the skin with no white residue," Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Sensitive skin may also tolerate it. "BEMT is a partial exception for those with sensitive skin because it is a huge molecule and it sits on the skin so there is minimal absorption," Dr. Yoo said.

Commerce editor Sarah Han, who used three fingers' worth of product rather than the standard two-finger guideline, said the formula "feels like nothing on the skin" and doubles as a standalone moisturizer outside winter.

What else made the list?

Allure named eight winners across categories:

• Best mineral overall: Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 Mineral Serum Sunscreen, $43, with 15.3% zinc oxide and 2.7% titanium dioxide
• One-and-done moisturizer: Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer SPF 30, $25
• No-makeup days: Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50, $40, in four shades
• Under makeup: Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen
• Cast-free finish: Anthelios Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50, a 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner
• Body spray: Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45, water-resistant for 80 minutes
• All-over lotion: Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60, a 2026 Readers' Choice Award winner
• Smoothing: Anthelios Gentle Lotion Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, the only pick with lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), a gentler relative of salicylic acid

Every product on the list is fragrance-free.

The UVAir Mineral serum earned praise from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin, who said it "disappears in less than five seconds" and stays "virtually undetectable" on her medium skin tone. Editor in chief Jessica Cruel said the chemical UVAir serum delivers SPF 30-plus, a dewy finish and no cast — and drew compliments on her glowing skin worn alone, without foundation.

The tinted mineral fluid adds iron oxides, which "protect against visible light" that can worsen melasma and dark spots, Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Jenna Queller, MD, of Boca Raton, Florida, backed the Melt-In Milk: "One of the biggest challenges with sunscreen is consistency, and elegant formulas like this make daily use much easier."

Does a higher filter percentage mean better protection?

No. "Protection comes from the whole formula, not from any single filter on the label," Dr. Yoo said. SPF measures only UVB protection, the rays behind sunburn; UVA protection, which drives much of skin aging and pigment, is captured by the "broad spectrum" claim. BEMT also stabilizes other filters such as avobenzone, so a formula with 2% BEMT and well-matched partners can protect as well as one with 6% and a weaker supporting cast.

The FDA caps BEMT at 6% in the US; Europe allows up to 10%. Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos of Cincinnati noted that BEMT lets formulators hit high SPF and UVA targets at lower overall active levels than older filters require.

What does this change for shoppers? The practical checklist stays short: check the SPF number, the words "broad spectrum," water resistance if sweating or swimming, and a texture you will actually reapply every two hours.