Fda Approved Sunscreen List | 17 Ingredients & What’s New

The FDA currently lists 17 approved sunscreen active ingredients, with bemotrizinol added in June 2026 as the first new option in decades.

The FDA approved sunscreen list contains 17 active ingredients legally permitted in over-the-counter sun protection products sold in the United States. In June 2026, the agency added bemotrizinol — the first new sunscreen ingredient approved in nearly 20 years — expanding options for consumers. The list includes two mineral filters already classified as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE), along with 14 chemical filters that remain on the market while the FDA reviews additional safety data.

What’s on the FDA Approved Sunscreen List?

The 17 ingredients break into three groups: mineral filters that sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays, chemical filters that absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat, and one newly approved synthetic filter that does both. All 17 are legally allowed in over-the-counter sunscreens sold in the U.S. today, though two face proposed reclassification due to safety concerns.

The 17 FDA Approved Sunscreen Ingredients at a Glance

The table below lists every currently approved active ingredient, its category, and its regulatory status under the FDA’s latest orders.

Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and Trolamine Salicylate are proposed as Not GRASE due to safety concerns but remain legally available until the FDA issues a final order. The other 14 chemical ingredients stay on the market while manufacturers submit additional safety data requested by the agency.

What Makes Bemotrizinol Different?

Bemotrizinol — sold under the trade names Tinosorb S and BEMT — is the first new sunscreen active ingredient added to the FDA’s list since the late 1990s. Approved for adults and children 6 months and older at concentrations up to 6%, it offers several advantages over older chemical filters. The FDA’s June 2026 announcement confirmed its GRASE classification based on data showing low skin absorption, minimal irritation, and no evidence of reproductive harm in animal studies.

Unlike many traditional chemical sunscreens, bemotrizinol provides true broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays in a single ingredient. It is also photo-stable, meaning it does not break down when exposed to sunlight — a known limitation of avobenzone. The ingredient stays transparent on the skin and does not require mixing with other filters to achieve broad-spectrum protection.

DSM-Firmenich holds exclusive U.S. rights to the ingredient for 18 months, marketing it under the name Parsol. First products containing bemotrizinol are expected on store shelves around September 2026, so consumers won’t find it in current sunscreen bottles. For sun protection available today, check our best American sunscreen recommendations covering top-rated formulas using the existing approved ingredients.

How to Pick and Apply Sunscreen the Right Way

The FDA’s application guidelines are straightforward but often skipped. Choosing the right product and using it correctly makes the difference between real protection and a false sense of security. Here are the essentials:

• SPF selection: Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for daily use. SPF 15 is the minimum, but SPF 30 blocks roughly 97% of UVB rays.
• Amount: Apply liberally to all exposed skin before heading outdoors. Most adults need about a shot glass full — roughly one ounce — to cover their entire body.
• Timing: Reapply at least every two hours. Reapply immediately after swimming, heavy sweating, or towel drying.
• Water resistance: Look for labels that say “40 minutes water-resistant” or “80 minutes water-resistant.” The FDA only permits these two claims — “waterproof” and “sweatproof” are not legal labels.
• Expiration: If the bottle has no expiration date, consider it expired three years after purchase. Sunscreen with degraded ingredients loses efficacy.
• Flammability: If you will be near a flame source such as a grill or candles, check for a flammability warning and choose a non-flammable alternative.

Which Sunscreen Ingredients Face Safety Questions?

A 2020 JAMA study confirmed that oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream at levels exceeding the FDA’s threshold for waiving safety studies. This finding does not mean these ingredients are dangerous — it means the FDA needs additional data to confirm their long-term safety profile.

The agency has proposed classifying 14 chemical ingredients as “Not GRASE because additional data is needed.” Manufacturers are not required to pull these ingredients from the market yet, and they remain legally available in sunscreens sold across the U.S. If you prefer to avoid chemical filters entirely, mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide carry a final GRASE classification and are widely available in stores.

Sunscreen Selection and Use Guide

No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV radiation. The FDA recommends combining sunscreen with protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and shade during peak hours for complete sun protection.