Regulations

Senate Endorses Modernization of OTC Regulations

It would impact sunscreen regulations if passed before September 30 deadline.

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By: TOM BRANNA

Chief Content Officer

Start spreading the good news about sunscreen regulations. Photo: Shutterstock/Ground Picture

Last week, the Senate endorsed S. 2292, the bipartisan OMUFA 2.0 reauthorization bill. It includes provisions to modernize regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) products—including sunscreens.

According to Carl D’Ruiz, DSM-Firmenich, this alignment with the House version signals strong momentum for including sunscreen modernization in the final package. Advocates are pushing for elements of the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act (H.R. 3686), which would:

• Speed up approval of new, effective sunscreen ingredients
• Promote non-animal safety testing methods
• Reinforce the GRAS/E (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) standard

Next steps include:

• Full Senate vote
• House-Senate reconciliation (if needed)
• Final passage before OMUFA’s Sept. 30, 2025 expiration
• FDA implementation of updated review goals and processes

“This marks yet another major step forward for consumer safety, regulatory efficiency and skin cancer prevention!” said D’Ruiz.

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