Does Sunscreen Cause Cancer? Let’s Set the Record Straight.
Every summer, I hear it in my office, at the beach, even at the grocery store checkout: “I heard sunscreen causes cancer. Is that true?” The short answer? No. Absolutely not. In fact, wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer. So where does this myth even come from?
The Myth’s Origin Story
Some headlines over the years have suggested that certain sunscreen ingredients might be “dangerous” or “toxic.” Often, these stories get attention because they’re scary — but they leave out important details. For example, a lab study might find that an ingredient, when fed to rats in massive doses, could cause harm. The reality? Those doses are nowhere near what a human would ever get from normal sunscreen use.
It’s a little like saying coffee is dangerous because drinking 500 cups in a day could be harmful. Technically true — but not relevant to real life.
What the Science Actually Says…
Here’s what decades of solid, peer-reviewed research shows:
- Sunscreen protects against DNA damage caused by UV rays — the very changes that can lead to skin cancer.
- People who use sunscreen regularly have lower rates of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Major health organizations, from the American Academy of Dermatology to the World Health Organization, recommend daily sunscreen use as part of skin cancer prevention.
The Bigger Risk: Skipping Sunscreen
Unprotected sun exposure is a known, proven carcinogen. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages skin cells, speeds up aging, and increases the risk of all major skin cancers. We know this with the same certainty that we know smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
Choosing to skip sunscreen because of a myth is like not wearing a seatbelt because you heard a rumor it’s “uncomfortable” — the risk just isn’t worth it.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
- Look for “broad spectrum” — this means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
- SPF 30 or higher for everyday use (SPF 45+ if you’re at the beach or outside for hours).
- Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
- If you’re worried about certain ingredients, choose a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — both are safe, effective, and great for sensitive skin.
The Bottom Line
Sunscreen doesn’t cause cancer — skipping it increases your risk of cancer. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful tools we have to protect our skin’s health and keep it looking youthful. So the next time you hear someone say sunscreen is “dangerous,” you can smile, grab your SPF, and know you’re making a smart choice for your skin and your future.