Does Sunscreen Cause Cancer? What You Need to Know

Using sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and lower your risk of skin cancer. However, recent concerns over certain sunscreen ingredients have sparked questions about their safety. Could sunscreen itself cause cancer?

Here’s what you need to know about sunscreen safety, why it’s still essential, and how to choose a product that works for you.

Why Are There Concerns About Sunscreen?

Sunscreens come in two types:

• Chemical sunscreens: Absorbed into the skin, these rely on ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone to protect against UV rays.

• Physical sunscreens: These sit on the skin's surface, using minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays.

Chemical sunscreens have raised concerns due to studies showing that their ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream at levels exceeding what the FDA considers safe for immediate approval. For example, a January 2020 study in JAMA highlighted the absorption of oxybenzone and similar compounds. While this might sound alarming, experts emphasize that absorption alone doesn’t mean these ingredients are harmful.

Environmental concerns have also emerged. Chemicals like oxybenzone have been shown to harm marine life, particularly coral reefs, when sunscreen washes off in the water. In response, some regions have banned sunscreens containing these ingredients.

Adding to public apprehension are product recalls. In 2021, several spray sunscreens were recalled due to contamination with benzene, a cancer-causing chemical. However, benzene is not an ingredient in sunscreen, and the recalls were linked to manufacturing issues, not sunscreen formulations.

How Is Sunscreen Regulated?

Sunscreen is regulated as a cosmetic by the FDA, which requires manufacturers to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of their products. Ingredients classified as Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) have undergone evaluation and met the FDA's standards.

Oxybenzone and avobenzone are currently under review, but this doesn’t mean they are unsafe. Rather, the FDA is gathering additional data to confirm their safety profiles. “We do not have enough information to know if they actually have a negative impact on our health from absorption,” says Erum Ilyas, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Why Sunscreen Is Still Essential

Despite concerns, the benefits of sunscreen far outweigh any theoretical risks. Regular sunscreen use is proven to:

• Reduce your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.

• Prevent sunburn, which damages the skin and increases cancer risk over time.

• Protect against premature aging caused by UV rays.

As Dr. Ilyas points out, "We know that sunscreen has a positive effect on our health by reducing the incidence of skin cancer." This makes it an essential part of any skincare routine.

Safer Alternatives to Chemical Sunscreens

If you’re uneasy about using chemical sunscreens, you have options. Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered safe and effective by the FDA. Unlike chemical sunscreens, they sit on the skin's surface and aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream.

Additionally, mineral sunscreens are more environmentally friendly, as they don’t harm marine ecosystems. They’re an excellent choice for both personal health and environmental sustainability.

What About European Sunscreens?

While European sunscreens often contain different active ingredients, they aren’t necessarily "cleaner" or safer than U.S. options. The American Cancer Society recommends sticking to FDA-approved products to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The Bottom Line

There is currently no evidence to suggest that sunscreen causes cancer. On the contrary, regular sunscreen use is one of the best ways to protect your skin from UV damage and lower your risk of skin cancer.

If you’re concerned about chemical sunscreens, opt for a mineral-based product with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. For added peace of mind, avoid recalled products by checking the FDA’s recall list.

Sunscreen remains a critical tool for maintaining healthy skin and reducing cancer risk, so don’t skip it. Protect yourself by choosing the right product for your needs and applying it regularly.

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