Your Sunscreen Could Lose Its Cruelty-Free Status—Here’s What You Need to Know

Before buying your next sunscreen, check the label for bemotrizinol (BEMT). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the supplier of this ingredient to test this UV filter on pigs, rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, and rats. PETA will remove any company that chooses to use BEMT from PETA’s Ultimate Cruelty-free List.

People in Europe and elsewhere have used BEMT safely for decades, yet the FDA still demanded animal tests before approving it for use in the U.S. The agency disregarded extensive evidence of safe use, even though experiments on animals almost always fail to translate to humans.

Companies on PETA Ultimate Cruelty-Free List must agree never to test their products on animals and must require the same of their ingredients suppliers.

How Did Animals Suffer for BEMT?

To meet the FDA’s requirements, experimenters force-fed BEMT to animals, smeared it on their skin, and put it in their eyes. Some tests lasted as long as nine months.

The Threat Extends Beyond BEMT

In 2025, PETA alerted all companies and brands on our cruelty-free list that the FDA announced requirements that companies test most UV filters (the active ingredients that prevent sunburn) on animals before allowing them to remain in sunscreens—even thought they’ve been uses safely in the U.S. for many years.

Thanks to several companies and to PETA scientists, the FDA has not yet moved forward with this broader testing, but the threat remains.

Congress has since directed the FDA to accept non-animal test methods and real-world evidence when evaluating sunscreens. But until the agency follows through, companies that sell cruelty-free sunscreens face pressure to hurt animals in experiments.

The FDA’s Requirement Ignores Science and Hurts Animals, Including Humans

Correspondence between the FDA and sunscreen manufacturers reveals that the agency repeatedly refused to consider non-animal testing approaches and evidence from decades of safe sunscreen use. That refusal contradicts the agency’s frequent public claims that it supports modern methods relevant to human health.

No animal exists to be a test subject.

Scientists should use advanced, human-relevant methods, like cell-based tissue models, to provide more accurate safety data without harming anyone.

Urge the FDA to accept superior animal-free science that keeps lifesaving sunscreen products on the market.

Here Are Some Mineral Sunscreens That Will Stay Vegan and Cruelty-Free

No matter what, mineral sunscreens from brands on PETA’s cruelty-free list will remain an animal-friendly choice. Check them out:

100% Pure – Green Tea SPF 30

ATTITUDE – Mineral Sunscreen Line

bliss – Mineral Sunscreen Line

Derma E – Mineral Sunscreen Line

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare – Mineral Sunscreen Line

Josie Maran – Mineral Sunscreen Line

Juice Beauty – Mineral Sunscreen Line

Kora Organics – Silky Sun Drops 100% Mineral Sunscreen Serum

Mineral Fusion Cosmetics – Mineral Powder Sunscreen

MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals – Mineral Sunscreen Line

Paula’s Choice – Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 and Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Trader Joe’s – Daily Facial Mineral Sunscreen

Sun Bum – Mineral Sunscreen Line

(Note: Not all Sun Bum products are vegan, including lip balm made with beeswax. Check the label before purchasing other products from the brand.)

Supergoop – Mineral Sunscreen Line

Help Keep Sunscreen Cruelty-Free

Consumers and ethical companies have already proven that cruelty-free products work. Don’t let the FDA force companies to abandon good ethics and science. Choose cruelty-free sunscreen and urge the FDA to accept animal-free methods.