NEW YORK (November 17, 2025) — The Skin Cancer Foundation applauds the signing into law of the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act (H.R. 3686/S. 2491) as part of the recent reauthorization of the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee Act (OMUFA). This bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Joyce (R-PA), Dingell (D-MI), Ross (D-NC) and Joyce (R-OH), as well as Sens. Marshall (R-KS) and Hassan (D-NH), represents a step forward in the fight against skin cancer by modernizing how sunscreen ingredients are reviewed and approved in the United States.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. More people are diagnosed with the disease each year than all other cancers combined. Despite the high risk, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved a new active sunscreen ingredient since 1999. The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act will require the FDA to establish clearer, more flexible review processes while maintaining high standards for safety, and to evaluate ingredients already in use safely around the world. These changes will facilitate the introduction of new sun protection options for Americans.
“While there are many safe and effective sunscreens in the U.S., Americans deserve continued innovation in sun protection,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “More options make it easier for the public to find sunscreens that they like and will use daily. The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act is a step in the right direction in our battle against the world’s most common cancer.”
The Skin Cancer Foundation is committed to turning this legislative win into real-world impact. Toward that end, we urge the FDA to expedite implementation of the legislation to speed up sunscreen active ingredient reviews. We also would like to remind the public that introducing new sunscreens into the marketplace is only effective if these products are used daily. Unfortunately, research shows that even when sunscreen is available, usage lapses and sun-exposure behaviors continue to put Americans at risk. Additionally, daily sunscreen use is only part of a complete sun protection strategy, which should include:
- Wearing protective clothing, hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends that everyone visit a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam, and between visits examine their own skin from head to toe every month, looking for anything new, changing or unusual. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.
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About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, saves and improves lives by empowering people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The Foundation delivers public education programs, provides patients with guidance and reassurance, engages medical professionals, awards research grants and leads advocacy campaigns that call for policy changes. As a service to consumers, SCF grants its industry-recognized Seal of Recommendation to products that meet its criteria for safe and effective sun protection. SCF also operates Destination Healthy Skin, a program that works with local dermatologists in communities around the U.S. to provide free skin cancer screenings to those in need. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended regular skin exams and following a complete sun protection strategy that includes seeking shade, using sunscreen daily and covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. SkinCancer.org.
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