Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to examine all chemical ingredients in sunscreen products.

The New York Democrat’s demand comes as the FDA is set to implement a new regulation to “ensure the safety and effectiveness of sunscreen products” that are marketed over the counter (OTC).

During a news conference on Sunday, Schumer said, “There is no doubt about it: sunscreen has been a life-saver, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use the latest science and the best data to ensure that it is as safe as possible.”

Schumer wants FDA to test  the 12 remaining chemicals in sunscreen products 

Schumer noted that the FDA will be concluding its testing of active ingredients in sunscreen products in November. He wants the agency to make sure that all of the chemical ingredients are safe.

The FDA already determined that two “foundational additives” in sunscreen products are safe. However, the New York Democrat remains concern about the “remaining twelve anchor ingredients used across the industry.”

He said, “Today, we are asking the FDA to do a complete and quick study of the other 12 chemicals. And if any of them are harmful, they should take them out of sunblock."

In addition, Schumer said, “As the summer begins, we are asking the FDA to quickly study these other 12 chemicals and ban them if they’re not good. Today we are telling the FDA what to do: uncloud all the ingredients in sunscreen before closing the book on new rules.”

Separately, in his letter to FDA Commissioner Norman Sharpless, Schumer said,  “There is no time to waste in getting to the bottom of several questions as soon as possible, particularly on bloodstream absorption​.”

In May, the Journal of the American Medical Association released a report indicating that some chemicals can “seep into the bloodstream” in just 24 hours after a person applies a sunscreen on his/her skin.

“It was a great discovery to have sunscreen. Let’s make it as safe as possible -- ASAP. Just make it as safe as possible,” said Schumer.