A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation aimed at providing Americans with better access to advanced sunscreens as skin cancer rates continue to rise nationwide.
The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act, introduced yesterday by the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus—Reps. John Joyce (R-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Deborah Ross (D-NC)—seeks to streamline the FDA’s approval process for nonprescription sunscreen ingredients. Despite reforms passed in 2014 under the Sunscreen Innovation Act, no new active ingredients have been approved by the FDA since the 1990s.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with more than 5 million Americans treated each year at a cost exceeding \$8 billion. Melanoma cases are expected to rise by nearly 6% in 2025, and experts widely agree that sun exposure is the primary cause.
Advocates argue that outdated FDA rules have hindered U.S. access to more effective sunscreens that are already available in other countries. Organizations, including the Melanoma Research Alliance and the Public Access to SunScreens (PASS) Coalition, praised the new legislation, emphasizing that Americans deserve access to innovative products that could better prevent cancer.
Supporters argue that improving sunscreen options is a commonsense, preventative health measure. The bill does not lower safety standards but requires the FDA to act more efficiently in evaluating ingredients. With summer underway, lawmakers hope the measure will lead to faster availability of advanced sunscreens to help protect millions of Americans.
Over 100,000 new melanoma cases are expected this year, disproportionately affecting young women.
Source: johnjoyce.house.gov