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Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Congressman Dave Joyce (R-OH) introduced the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act to streamline the FDA review process of the effectiveness and safety of new ingredients for nonprescription sunscreens.

“We know sunscreen is an incredibly effective, affordable tool to prevent the most common cancer in our country, yet America still lacks the same sunscreen technology that many other nations are using,” Rep. Dingell said. “We should be making it as easy as possible for people to get the best sunscreen available. This bill will allow for the FDA to approve new, advanced sunscreen ingredients to better protect Americans from dangerous sun exposure and reduce their risk of skin cancer.”

“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,” said Rep. John Joyce, M.D. “It is very disappointing that the FDA has ignored Congressional intent and continues to stall the approval of new sunscreen ingredients despite legislation to streamline this process. Through the introduction of the bipartisan SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act, we can ensure that the FDA quickly approves new sunscreen ingredients, giving the American public access to the best skin protection available.”

“Skin cancer continues to affect far too many Americans, so it’s imperative that we make high-quality sunscreen more available,” said Rep. Ross. “For too long, outdated FDA rules have kept Americans from accessing the most effective sun protection available. This bipartisan bill is a commonsense step to modernize the approval process and keep families safe and healthy during the summer months and beyond.”

“As skin cancer rates continue to rise across the country, it’s unacceptable that sunscreen innovation has remained virtually stagnant,” said Rep. Dave Joyce, Co-Chair of the Skin Cancer Caucus. “As a melanoma survivor, I understand the importance of quality sunscreen and am proud to introduce this legislation to fast track the review and implementation of new sunscreen products. It’s high time for the Food and Drug Administration to start a new chapter in skin health and embrace new advancements that will expand access to cutting-edge sunscreens for all Americans. As we enter the summer months, I encourage everyone to continue taking proactive, preventative measures for their skin health.” 

Background:

• The United States represents approximately one-third of all global skin cancer diagnoses.
• Over 5 million Americans are treated for skin cancer each year at a cost of over $8 billion.
• The estimated number of new melanoma cases diagnosed in 2025 is projected to increase by 5.9 percent.
• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and unlike many cancers whose origin is unknown, we know that sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer.
• In 2014, Congress passed the Sunscreen Innovation Act to establish a process for review and approval of active sunscreen ingredients.
• Despite this legislation, it has been more than twenty years since the FDA approved of new sunscreen ingredients.