Joyce, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Sunscreen

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representatives Dave Joyce (OH-14), John Joyce (PA-13), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced the Supporting Accessible, Flexible, and Effective (SAFE) Sunscreen Standards Act to modernize the FDA’s review process for over-the-counter sunscreen ingredients to improve access to newer, effective sunscreens.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more people diagnosed each year than all other cancers combined. According to the Surgeon General’s 2014 Call to Action, nearly 5 million individuals are treated for skin cancer annually, costing the healthcare system over $8 billion. Between 1994 and 2014, diagnoses and treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancers in the U.S. rose by 77 percent—and rates have continued to increase, even as they decline in other countries. The FDA has not approved a new sunscreen filter or active ingredient since the 1990s, leaving the United States decades behind other countries in the development and availability of safe and effective sunscreens for reducing skin cancer risk.

“As skin cancer rates continue to rise across the country, it’s unacceptable that sunscreen innovation has remained virtually stagnant,” said Congressman 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.” 

“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 Congressman John Joyce, M.D, Co-Chair of the Skin Cancer Caucus. “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.”

“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,” said Congresswoman Dingell, Co-Chair of the Skin Cancer Caucus. “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.”

“Skin cancer continues to affect far too many Americans, so it’s imperative that we make high-quality sunscreen more available,” said Congresswoman Ross, Co-Chair of the Skin Cancer Caucus. “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.”

The SAFE Sunscreen Act:

1. Improves Regulatory Standards:
   • Directs the FDA to establish clearer, more flexible standards for evaluating sunscreen ingredients.
   • Allows the use of real-world evidence, observational studies, and nontraditional scientific data—not just standard clinical trials—to determine safety and effectiveness.
   • Incorporates non-animal testing alternatives to align with modern research practices and ethical standards.

2. Places an Administrative Order on Sunscreens:
   • Requires the FDA to update its final administrative order on pending sunscreen ingredients to:
     • Consider historical data on ingredients already used safely in the U.S.
     • Reinforce that sunscreen is a proven cancer prevention tool.
     • Use the new evidence and testing standards established in this bill.

3. Increases Transparency and Reporting:
   • The Secretary of Health and Human Services must submit annual reports to Congress detailing:
     • Progress on implementing new standards
     • How many applications were reviewed under the new process.
     • FDA’s use of non-animal testing methods.
   • These reports must also be publicly posted on the FDA’s website within 7 days.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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