Contact Congress about S. 2491: SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act

The FDA could use real-world data and non-animal tests — not just traditional clinical trials — when reviewing ingredients in sunscreen and other over-the-counter skin products. The bill also requires the FDA to consider the safety track record of sunscreen ingredients already on the market and to publicly report its progress.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Latest action on S. 2491: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people who use sunscreen and other over-the-counter skin products, as well as the companies that make them. It could also matter to researchers, animal welfare advocates, and anyone who cares about how the FDA decides which ingredients are safe.

Why this matters: Sunscreen ingredients in the U.S. have been stuck in a slow FDA review process for years, and some ingredients widely used in other countries still are not approved here. This bill could break that logjam by letting the FDA consider a wider range of evidence, potentially getting effective ingredients to consumers faster while reducing reliance on animal testing.

Key provisions in S. 2491

• The FDA would be told to use evidence standards that can include real-world evidence — data from how products perform in everyday use — alongside traditional clinical trials when deciding if active ingredients in over-the-counter skin drugs are safe and effective.
• The FDA would have to apply existing evidence-standard rules (from section 505G(b)(6)(C) of federal law) to active ingredients used in drugs applied to the skin.
• The FDA would be told to consider specific non-animal testing methods already described in law, as well as other suitable alternatives to animal tests, when reviewing skin-applied drugs.
• Within one year, the FDA would have to publish draft guidance explaining how companies can use alternatives to animal testing to meet safety and effectiveness standards for skin drugs.
• The final FDA order on over-the-counter sunscreen ingredients would have to account for historical U.S. safety data on ingredients already accepted for sale.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 2491

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 2491

What is S. 2491?

The FDA could use real-world data and non-animal tests — not just traditional clinical trials — when reviewing ingredients in sunscreen and other over-the-counter skin products. The bill also requires the FDA to consider the safety track record of sunscreen ingredients already on the market and to publicly report its progress.

How do I support or oppose S. 2491?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 2491?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on S. 2491?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.