Is Sunscreen Safe?

by Molly Verhoff, PAC

This time of year we field a lot of questions in the office about sunscreen.

The level of confusion that can be faced when picking the right product to use really hit home for me when my internet activity was recently inundated with ads for a sunscreen brand that used pseudoscience and scare tactics to make their product look like the only safe option.

The echo chamber of the internet has amplified these instances of biased marketing and presented amateur views with misunderstandings and misinterpretations of scientific data leading to a growing distrust in conventional products.

Safety is always our number one goal, so let’s explore where these concerns come from, what the science says, and how to navigate the facts.

Is Sunscreen Safe?

The easiest answer to the  question of whether sunscreen is safe is: we know that UV damage causes cancer and sunscreen blocks UV damage, so sunscreen is cancer preventing.

Concerns that cloud the conversation largely stem from chemical ingredients, absorption, and environmental damage. Ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene have been scrutinized for their potential to enter the bloodstream and/or breakdown on the shelf into potential carcinogens.

Some studies have shown endocrine-disrupting effects in animals, but these were often at doses far higher than those used in real-life human sunscreen application. Because of animal data and bioaccumulation effects that happen in a marine environment, Hawaii has banned the sale and use of all chemical (i.e. non-mineral) sunscreens due to the risk of coral reef damage since October 1st, 2022.

As studies are continually done to field which ingredients are effective and safe in sunscreen, the FDA has called for more safety data on chemical sunscreen ingredients, stating in a 2019 report that certain ingredients “need further study”—but this was not a declaration that these ingredients are harmful, simply a call for rigorous data to provide the safest and most efficacious products.

Various studies have shown that certain chemical sunscreen ingredients can be found in the blood after product use. This led to headlines and influencers suggesting danger, but presence does not equal harm. The FDA reiterated that this means more data is needed—not that people should stop using sunscreen.

 What Does the Science Actually Say?

• No evidence supports the idea that FDA-approved sunscreens cause cancer in humans.

• On the contrary, decades of data show that regular sunscreen use reduces the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratoses, and photoaging. Melanoma prevention data is more complex due to genetics and behavioral factors (e.g., sunscreen may give a false sense of safety leading to prolonged sun exposure), but overall, regular sunscreen use is associated with lower melanoma risk.

  
  

Bottom Line:

The benefits of using sunscreen far outweigh the unproven risks of its ingredients, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Skin Cancer Foundation

 Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens

• Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays. They are often preferred by people with sensitive skin or those with concerns about absorption. The only downside is that some formulas may appear white or cause a grey color on the skin. If you have been dissatisfied with these products in the past make sure you check out newer formulas. There are some really great options available now!  

• Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation; it takes several active ingredients in a product to provide full UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. These are often more cosmetically elegant (i.e.rub in easily), but some ingredients have been known to cause photo-allergic rashes in susceptible individuals. This category includes the few ingredients that have been under scrutiny for environmental toxicity and systemic absorption.

  
  

Bottom Line:

If you are concerned, mineral sunscreens are an excellent option and are considered safe by all major dermatological organizations

Final Thoughts on Sunscreen Safety

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by headlines and social media fear-mongering, but here’s the bottom line:

• Sunscreen—especially broad-spectrum SPF 30+—is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.

• Concerns about certain ingredients are being investigated, and ongoing research is welcome—but there is no credible evidence that sunscreen causes cancer.

• Best practice is to opt for mineral sunscreens, limit midday sun, wear UPF protective clothing, and speak with one of our providers for individualized guidance.

  
  

Need help choosing a sunscreen that’s safe and effective for your skin type? We’re happy to help you cut through the confusion and find the best protection for your lifestyle and concerns.

 Schedule a consultation at Northeast Dermatology today.

Science evolves—and so do we. Let’s stay sun-safe, informed, and balanced.

 Happy Summer, Everyone!