WASHINGTON — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has released a statement praising the introduction of a bipartisan bill designed to modernize the U.S. regulatory process for sunscreen ingredients. The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act (H.R. 3686), introduced by the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus co-chairs, seeks to streamline approval pathways for next-generation UV filters long available in other countries.
“This is a smart, targeted solution that will open the door to sun protection products that have long been used safely and effectively around the world, giving Americans even greater options to protect themselves against skin cancer. CHPA commends the co-chairs of the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus—Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02)—for their leadership in advancing legislation that takes an important step in helping ensure Americans have access to the best sun protection available.”
The legislation acknowledges the essential role of sunscreen in skin cancer prevention and aims to expand the range of effective sun protection options available to U.S. consumers. No new sunscreen filters have been approved in the U.S. since 1999, despite advances in science and the availability of broader options overseas, particularly in Europe and Asia.
The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act proposes amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to improve the FDA’s review process for new sunscreen ingredients, including clarifying how the agency can request additional data. The goal is to bring the U.S. in line with global innovation, offering Americans more tools to protect themselves against the nation’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.
