Yesterday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act to expedite the FDA’s review process for nonprescription sunscreen ingredients. The legislation was put forward by Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), all co-chairs of the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus.
Rep. John Joyce emphasized his dual perspective as both a physician and legislator: “As a physician legislator and a board-certified dermatologist, I have seen firsthand the benefits of sunscreens to help prevent melanoma and other skin cancers.” He criticized the FDA for stalling approvals despite previous reforms intended to streamline this process.
Rep. Debbie Dingell noted that sunscreen is an effective tool against cancer but lamented America’s lag in adopting advanced sunscreen technology compared to other nations. She stated, “This bill will allow for the FDA to approve new, advanced sunscreen ingredients.”
Highlighting personal experience as a melanoma survivor, Rep. Dave Joyce expressed concern over stagnant innovation in sunscreen products amid rising skin cancer rates: “It’s high time for the Food and Drug Administration to start a new chapter in skin health.”
Rep. Deborah Ross called outdated FDA rules an obstacle preventing access to effective sun protection: “For too long, outdated FDA rules have kept Americans from accessing the most effective sun protection available.”
The Public Access to SunScreens Coalition supported the legislation, noting that no new over-the-counter monograph sunscreen active ingredient has been approved since the 1990s while global advancements continue. They stressed that modernizing approval processes is crucial given rising skin cancer rates.
The Melanoma Research Alliance endorsed fast-tracking evaluations without compromising safety standards: “Melanoma is largely a preventable cancer, and passing this bill will give Americans access to many more sunscreen options.”
Similarly, the Melanoma Research Foundation welcomed bipartisan support for regulatory changes that would increase product options for American consumers.
Background information highlights that skin cancer remains prevalent in the U.S., with over five million treated annually at significant cost. Despite legislative efforts like the Sunscreen Innovation Act of 2014, no new ingredients have been approved by the FDA in over two decades.
