The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally expanded its list of approved sunscreen filters for the first time in more than 20 years. On Tuesday, the FDA added bemotrizinol, limited to 6%, to the list of permitted active ingredients for over-the-counter sunscreens.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. strongly supports the ingredient, stating in the FDA press release that “bemotrizinol has been used safely in Europe for decades, and FDA’s action will increase competition and consumer confidence in sunscreen products.”Kennedy has backed many questionable health causes over the years, including incorrect statements about the link between Tylenol and autism, and a recent suggestion to roll back restrictions on tanning beds for teens. So naturally, this might make one wonder — is bemotrizinol safe?Bemotrizinol (also known as BEMT and bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine) is considered Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) by the FDA and is recommended for use on adults and children ages 6 months and older.GettyFollowing the FDA news, consumers are eager to get their hands on sunscreen with bemotrizinol. This UV filter will soon be available to U.S. consumers, improving sunscreen options.“Bemotrizinol is an oil-soluble chemical filter which protects against both UVA and UVB rays,” Dr. Amank Jambhekar, a melanoma surgical oncologist, told HuffPost. Dr. Lily Park, a Korean-American triple-board certified dermatologist, adds that bemotrizinol is photostable, meaning it doesn’t break down easily in sunlight. As it’s oil-soluble, it dissolves in oil rather than water, making it easy to spread across the skin. It also has low skin absorption and is suitable for people with sensitive skin.Why hasn’t bemotrizinol been approved until now?The process for the FDA to approve a new sunscreen ingredient has been historically slow. Sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter drugs in the U.S., and the FDA requires robust safety and efficacy data before adding an ingredient to the monograph, including information on systemic absorption and long-term use, since sunscreens are applied repeatedly, often over large body surface areas, and are used by children and pregnant patients.Bemotrizinol doesn’t break down in the sun, unlike the previously approved non-mineral UVA filter, avobenzone, and will provide U.S. consumers with stronger broad-spectrum UVA protection. Currently, U.S. sunscreens block UVB rays but lack adequate shield against UVA rays, which penetrate deeply into the skin, are a primary contributor to skin cancer and may lead to premature aging. As skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., this is a landmark decision for consumer protection and sunscreen innovation.The ingredient has been used in countries since 1999 known for their effective sunscreens, including Europe and Korea, and has amassed a safety track record abroad. The FDA now allows use of up to 6% bemotrizinol and considers it appropriate for adults and children 6 months and older. In many European and Asian countries, bemotrizinol is allowed up to 10%.This is a long-awaited advancement in sun protection, and Park says American consumers should have access to newer broad-spectrum filters already used internationally. In Korea, Australia and Europe, patients have had access to modern sunscreen filters like bemotrizinol for decades. Park finds many of those formulations lighter and easier to wear and to reapply multiple times a day. She says this translates into better real-world sun protection, which is especially important for patients with melasma, hyperpigmentation, photoaging concerns or a history of skin cancer.Jambhekar doesn’t believe there are any cons to using bemotrizinol in sunscreen and says the ingredient is better tolerated than existing UV filters. She’s hopeful bemotrizinol will improve everyday sunscreen use, and notes that sunscreen with a bemotrizinol layer is better under makeup and works best on all skin tones. But Park stresses that bemotrizinol alone isn’t a hero ingredient. “Many Korean and European sunscreens combine bemotrizinol with several other modern filters that aren’t approved in the U.S. The final sunscreen depends on the full formula, the other filters used, and whether people apply enough and reapply appropriately,” she said.When will U.S. consumers be able to purchase sunscreen containing bemotrizinol?Following the FDA news, consumers are eager to get their hands on sunscreen with bemotrizinol. This UV filter will soon be available to U.S. consumers, improving sunscreen options. Parsol Shield has 18 months of exclusive marketing rights in the U.S. and is set to launch a product in June. “Not everyone has access to Asian and European brands, and this is a game changer for accessibility to next-level sunscreen, which is suitable for everyone,” Jambhekar said.With the Parsol Shield exclusive on bemotrizinol, consumers will likely have to wait 1 1/2 years to buy bemotrizinol sunscreen from other manufacturers. Since sunscreen is a drug product in the U.S., manufacturers who want to add bemotrizinol to their sunscreen must formulate, test, label, manufacture and distribute products that meet U.S. requirements.“The earliest U.S.-compliant bemotrizinol-containing products may come first from companies already preparing for this shift, while broader availability may take longer,” Park said. Olive Young, a Korean skincare store that recently launched a U.S.-based site, sells sunscreens with FDA-approved filters, but Jambhekar hopes the new FDA approval of bemotrizinol means the Korean retailer will be able to quickly add bemotrizinol-containing Korean sunscreens.Looking for a good sunscreen in the meantime? These are dermatologists’ favorites.HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.UltaBlue Lizard Sensitive mineral sunscreen SPF 50+Another Badreshia-Bansal recommendation for days spent outdoors, this reef-safe mineral sunscreen from Australia contains no active chemicals and is suitable for use on sensitive skin. It's also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes so you can enjoy all types of outdoor activities without worry. DermstoreEltaMD UV Clear SPF 46Badreshia-Bansal echoed the saying that "the best SPF for daily use is one that you'll actually wear — lightweight, invisible and comfortable under makeup." She recommends a mineral SPF with low irritation potential, like this cult-fave SPF that is beloved by both HuffPost readers and editors alike. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize skin while the inclusion of lactic acid lightly exfoliates skin and can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and shine. It's a great option for people like me with sensitive and acne-prone skin. I turn to it anytime I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, or when I'm post-procedure and want to protect my skin without irritating it.AmazonCeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30According to Witkowski, this CeraVe lotion with SPF 30 is "an excellent, affordable and widely accessible option for a daily morning routine." It provides sun protection while doubling as a moisturizer, and is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to support skin barrier health and hydration while also soothing irritation. He also pointed out that it's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin.SephoraUltra Violette Future Screen SPF 50The cult-fave Australian brand Ultra Violette is finally available in the U.S. at Sephora! If anyone knows how to protect their skin from harmful rays, it's Southern Hemisphere-dwelling Australians. I stock up on their sunscreens and lip balms every time I'm Down Under, and this development is a real thrill for skincare lovers. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung of Chicago’s Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness told HuffPost that this must-have SPF is “packed with mineral blockers to protect from the harsh Aussie sun, but feels silky and lightweight.”AmazonLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60Having earned The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, this La Roche-Posay is Witkowski's personal favorite and “go-to” sunscreen, both for daily use and for days with extended sun exposure. It's also what he uses on his 4-year-old child on beach days, bike rides or hikes. He noted that this oil-free SPF is very popular among dermatologists and is formulated with antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage. He also noted it contains senna alata, "a tropical leaf extract known for its ability to combat oxidative stress and support the prevention of premature skin aging." You can't go wrong with this non-comedogenic, water-resistant formula that is also well-suited for sensitive skin. AmazonIsdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+Both Badreshia-Bansal and Cheung recommended this Barcelona-based skincare brand's sunscreen. It is 100% mineral-based and infused with skin-loving ingredients that make it a great multitasker. It is one of the most comfortable mineral sunscreen formulas I’ve tried. It’s formulated with zinc oxide, DNA repair enzymes and vitamin E — so not only is it preventing sun damage, but it’s helping to nourish and repair the skin as well.The Isdin sunscreen is significantly lighter and easier to blend than traditional mineral SPFs, and doesn’t have that lingering zinc smell that personally drives me up the wall. It dries down to a soft matte and is a nice base for dewy makeup looks. While this sunscreen blends well, there is a very slight white cast that’s typical of a mineral sunscreen formulation. The combination of lightweight finish, formula and UV protection has made it worth the troubleshooting. Many shoppers noted that it’s great for anyone who has sensitive skin, rosacea and skin cancer.DermstoreEltaMD UV AOX mist SPF 40For beach days, Cheung recommends a water-resistant SPF, preferably a mineral formula that won’t cause your eyes to sting or slide off when you're sweating in the sun. She pointed out that the EltaMD UV AOX Mist is great for full body coverage, since it "sprays on white but dries clear, so you won't miss any spots. It also has 360-degree sprayability, so you can apply it upside down." ElemisElemis Pro-Collagen SPF 50This silky sunscreen is one of Elemis' newest products, but given how great it is, you'd think the brand has been in the SPF game for decades. I've been using it for a couple of weeks and absolutely love it. I'm extremely fussy about sunscreen texture, finish and scent — and luckily this beauty knocks it out of the ballpark on all counts while providing powerful SPF 50 protection. It's a sheer, imperceptible fluid that dries down quickly with no white cast, and leaves your complexion looking radiant and dewy, never greasy. I can't help but add it to this list of must-haves that your skin will love.UltaLa Roche-Posay Anthelios tinted light fluid sunscreen SPF 50Badreshia-Bansal said, "I’m really impressed by the new La Roche-Posay Anthelios mineral tinted SPF 50+ Fluid – it’s sheer, has a universal tint, and offers high UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and has a great, elegant feel." Perfect for those days when you don't want to wear makeup and want an easy pick-me-up.AmazonNeutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch mineral sunscreen SPF 50When you're going to hit the beach or pool, water-resistant formulas are key. Badreshia-Bansal said, "Look for something labeled ‘water resistant (80 minutes)’ and at least SPF 50. I recommend mineral sticks or lotions because they tend to be more photostable."In previous reporting, Dr. Brandan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said, "This lightweight, non-greasy product provides SPF 50 protection and contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient," Camp said. It's specially formulated with antioxidants to be water-resistant, is naturally sourced and dries down quickly without leaving a greasy finish.DermstoreEltaMD UV Restore SPF 40If you're looking for a sunscreen that doubles as anti-aging skincare, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal recommended the EltaMD UV Restore sunscreen. She said, "Sunscreens that combine physical blockers with antioxidants like niacinamide, vitamin C or DNA-repair enzymes" can help combat oxidative stress and visible signs of aging. This particular SPF has squalane and ginger root extract, both of which support skin health and appearance.MeritMerit The Uniform tinted mineral SPF 45This sunscreen from the internet- and celeb-beloved beauty brand Merit is hot off the presses, and promises to be a lovely choice for those who want a sunscreen option that also offers a soft splash of color. It features a formulation that's designed to be lightweight and buildable with a silky, soft and velvety sheer finish to impart a natural glow, while also helping to smooth and blur the look of skin. It's available in 15 blendable hues. Be one of the first to check out this SPF.DermstoreLancer mineral Sun Shield universal tint SPF 30Cheung recommends a lightweight, tinted mineral SPF with antioxidants for everyday wear, like the Lancer Mineral Sun Shield SPF. "It multitasks as sun protection, skincare and a glow-up in one," she said. The iron oxides that provide the tint can also help to protect your skin from blue light, which penetrates deeper than UVB and contributes to hyperpigmentation. She added that this sunscreen "soothes while protecting and reducing sun damage, and will blend into all skin tones."