We, the undersigned, are writing to express our deep concern that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may require sunscreen manufacturers to test their products on animals. For decades, sunscreens have been used by millions of people around the world as public health campaigns have alerted consumers about these products’ role in preventing skin cancer. Nevertheless, prompted by the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, sunscreens are now subject to new scrutiny by the FDA.
The FDA must prioritize scientifically relevant, non-animal testing approaches that protect human health, in addition to relying on evidence drawn from years of product use. The agency’s resistance to fostering the use of modern approaches to evaluate sunscreens causes problems for the public and manufacturers that have pledged not to support animal testing due to ethical issues as well as the availability of better, animal-free approaches.
We are concerned about the FDA’s resistance to embracing human-relevant science. Any animal testing requirement would cause an undue regulatory burden on companies and dismiss the desire of consumers to use sunscreens that have been assessed using modern, animal-free approaches.
We request that the FDA prioritize human-relevant, non-animal testing approaches that can best protect consumers. Thank you for your attention to this important public health issue.