by Skincare Specialist, Bianca Erispe
Lately, social media has been buzzing with videos and posts claiming that sunscreen might cause cancer. Influencers and “clean beauty” advocates have questioned whether the very product designed to protect us could, in fact, be harmful.
At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, we understand how unsettling these claims can be. Sunscreen has long been a cornerstone of both skin health and anti-ageing skincare, and it can be confusing to see it portrayed as dangerous. Before you toss your SPF, let’s look at what the research truly says about sunscreen safety, separating myth from fact so you can continue protecting your skin confidently.
Table of contents
- Why People Are Asking “Is Sunscreen Safe?”
- The Science of Sunscreen – How it Actually Works
- Understanding Sunscreen Ingredient Safety and Regulation
- Environmental vs. Human Health Concerns
- The Real Facts: Sunscreen Prevents Cancer
- Choosing and Using Sunscreen Correctly
- The Real Threat: Skincare Misinformation
- Sunscreen Safety and Skin Confidence
Why People Are Asking, “Is sunscreen safe”?
The debate largely centres on a few chemical sunscreen ingredients, particularly oxybenzone. Some studies have suggested that oxybenzone may act as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it could interfere with hormones. This raised understandable concern among consumers.
However, the key detail is that these effects have only been shown in animal studies using extremely high concentrations, far beyond what humans would ever be exposed to through daily sunscreen use. In humans, there is no evidence linking oxybenzone or other approved sunscreen filters to cancer.
In fact, the opposite is true: decades of dermatological research show that sunscreen prevents skin cancer including melanoma, the deadliest form. Let’s take a deeper look at the science…
The Science of Sunscreen – How It Actually Works
To understand why claims that “sunscreens cause cancer” are misleading, it helps to understand how sunscreen works.
- Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds (such as avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone) that absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and safely release them from the skin.
- Mineral sunscreens, sometimes called physical sunscreens, use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect and scatter UV radiation, like tiny mirrors.
Both types are clinically proven to be safe and effective when used correctly. Choosing between them comes down to skin type and personal preference rather than safety.
Many people believe that mineral sunscreens are safer for sensitive skin, and this can be true for those prone to irritation, acne, or rosacea. But both mineral and chemical sunscreens play a vital role in daily skin protection when properly formulated.
Understanding Sunscreen Ingredient Safety and Regulation
Concerns about ingredients like oxybenzone arise from the fact that trace amounts can be absorbed through the skin. But absorption does not automatically equal harm. Your skin absorbs small amounts of countless ingredients daily, from moisturisers, serums, and even foods without risk.
To ensure safety, global regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) continuously review sunscreen filters. Both have confirmed that approved ingredients remain safe for human use, and there is no peer-reviewed evidence showing sunscreen causes cancer.
Environmental vs. Human Health Concerns
Some confusion also stems from environmental bans. Certain sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate have been restricted in places like Hawaii due to their impact on coral reefs. While these environmental issues are valid and worth addressing, they do not mean these ingredients are carcinogenic or unsafe for people.
The Real Facts: Sunscreen Prevents Cancer
The scientific consensus is clear: sunscreen use lowers your risk of developing skin cancer including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, the three most common forms of the disease.
UV radiation penetrates the skin, damaging DNA within cells. Over time, this damage accumulates and can lead to mutations that cause cancer. Sunscreen acts as a barrier, absorbing or reflecting harmful rays and significantly reducing this risk.
Beyond cancer prevention, sunscreen also protects against photoaging, the premature ageing caused by chronic UV exposure. Daily SPF helps maintain firmer, smoother, more even-toned skin, preventing pigmentation, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
In short: sunscreen doesn’t cause cancer, it prevents it.
Expert Advice: Choosing and Using Sunscreen Correctly
At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, we believe in evidence-based skincare backed by clinical science and medical expertise. Sunscreen is not optional; it’s the foundation of every effective skincare and anti-ageing routine.
Our expert recommendations:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day — even when it’s cloudy or cold.
- Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
- Don’t forget the commonly missed spots: ears, neck, hands, and décolletage.
- Combine your SPF with antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, to strengthen protection against environmental damage.
- Opt for a medical-grade sunscreen suited to your skin type, whether acne-prone, dry, post-procedure, or sensitive.
If you’re unsure which formula is best for you, our skincare specialists can provide a personalised skin analysis and recommend the best sunscreen for your specific concerns.
For now, we recommend browsing Heliocare’s range of sunscreen products (they offer an incredible array of suncare and sunscreen solutions), as well as the Colorescience range (if you are interested in mineral-based skincare and makeup products with added sun protection).
The Real Threat: Skincare Misinformation
The recent wave of viral skincare myths demonstrates how easily misinformation can spread and how damaging it can be. When people stop using sunscreen due to fear or misunderstanding, they leave their skin exposed to harmful UV rays — the real, scientifically proven cause of skin cancer. The danger isn’t in the sunscreen; it’s in believing unverified claims that discourage daily protection.
Final Thoughts: Sunscreen Safety and Skin Confidence
The viral claim that “sunscreen causes cancer” is simply not supported by science. In reality, sunscreen is one of the safest and most effective tools for protecting your skin, not just against cancer, but also against the visible signs of ageing.
By choosing a high-quality, medical-grade sunscreen and using it consistently, you safeguard your skin’s long-term health, vitality, and beauty.
If you’re unsure which SPF is right for your skin type, we invite you to book a personalised consultation with our expert skincare specialists. Together, we’ll help you find the most effective sunscreen and skincare regimen for healthy, radiant, and confident skin.
Email us at skinclinic@drnwilkinson.co.za to start your Skin Science journey today.
Written by Skincare Specialist, Bianca Erispe
