Unsolved:Anti-Sunscreen Movement

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Short description: Online trend promoting skepticism of sunscreen


Sunscreen drawing on skin shown on a normal photo and on a UV-photo

The anti-sunscreen movement is a loosely organized online trend that promotes skepticism about the safety and effectiveness of sunscreen. Adherents commonly claim that commercial sunscreens are toxic, that avoiding sunscreen is healthier for vitamin D status, that dietary changes (such as avoiding so-called "seed oils") can prevent sunburn, or that homemade products offer adequate protection. These claims have been amplified on TikTok, Instagram and other platforms, and have been criticized by dermatologists and public-health organizations as misinforming the public about the prevention of skin cancer.[1][2][3]

Background

Sunscreens are over-the-counter drugs in the United States that reduce exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a known human carcinogen. Dermatology organizations recommend daily use of a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applied in sufficient quantity and reapplied regularly when outdoors.[4]

Concerns about ingredient absorption were heightened by U.S. FDA–sponsored randomized trials in 2019 and 2020 showing that several organic (chemical) UV filters can be detected in blood after maximal-use application. Regulators and investigators emphasized that absorption does not imply harm and that further toxicology data are needed, while continuing to recommend sun protection.[5][6][7]

In 2021, several aerosol sunscreens were voluntarily recalled in the U.S. after testing found contamination with benzene, a carcinogenic solvent. Public-health sources noted that benzene is not a sunscreen ingredient and that the issue was a manufacturing contamination affecting certain batches, primarily sprays.[8][9][10]

Evidence from randomized trials and reviews

A 2011 critical review in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine concluded that regular sunscreen use prevents squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), while evidence for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) reduction was mixed and melanoma prevention remained inconclusive in older studies conducted with low-SPF, weak-UVA products. The review emphasized that systemic absorption of some organic UV filters does not imply harm, that typical use does not cause vitamin D deficiency, and that zinc oxide/titanium dioxide nanoparticles remain within the stratum corneum in healthy skin. It also found no convincing human evidence that retinyl palmitate in sunscreens is photocarcinogenic. Long-term trials using contemporary broad-spectrum sunscreens were identified as a need.[11]

Randomized evidence from the Nambour, Australia community trial[12] showed that daily sunscreen application prevented SCC during the 4.5-year trial; extended follow-up to 2004 found a ~38% lower SCC tumor incidence in the group originally randomized to daily sunscreen, with no clear benefit for BCC. Reported outdoor time did not differ between groups during follow-up, arguing against risk-compensation as the explanation for SCC reduction.[13]

In children, a randomized trial of broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen over three years found fewer new melanocytic nevi in the intervention group (median 24 vs 28), with modeling suggesting 30–40% fewer new nevi among freckled children. Because higher nevus counts are a melanoma risk factor, these findings support sunscreen as a pediatric photoprotection strategy while not serving as direct melanoma-incidence evidence.[14]

Origins and growth

Commentators and reporters identified the movement’s rise with wellness-influencer communities and short-form video platforms in the early to mid-2020s. Newspaper coverage in 2024–2025 described creators who discourage sunscreen or promote “natural” alternatives and sun “tolerance,” often framing such content as a corrective to perceived regulatory or industry failures.[3][15][1]

Key proponents

The anti-sunscreen movement is largely decentralized and promoted by numerous online influencers in the wellness and alternative health communities. Reporting by The Wall Street Journal and other outlets has highlighted several social media accounts that have gained large followings while promoting anti-sunscreen content.[3] Such content is often spread by influencers who are not medical professionals.[16]

Extremist and antisemitic variants

Analyses of the anti-sunscreen movement note that, on fringe and extremist forums, some narratives become explicitly antisemitic—casting sunscreen as part of a supposed “Jewish” plot or linking it to ideologies with antisemitic roots. Research from the Middlebury Institute’s Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism (CTEC) documents posts on imageboards that frame sunscreen as a “Jewish trick” and traces links to Germanic New Medicine, an alternative-medicine ideology whose founder advanced antisemitic conspiracy claims.[17]

Trade and academic commentary similarly report that antisemitic rhetoric appears in “sunscreen truther” content on extremist platforms such as 4chan and alternative social networks, where broader conspiracist tropes (e.g., blaming “Big Pharma” or shadowy elites) are fused with explicit blame directed at Jews.[18][19]

Mainstream public-health sources and dermatology guidance reject these claims as baseless and emphasize that sunscreen use reduces ultraviolet exposure and related disease risk.[20]

Narratives and claims

This table summarizes the most common narratives promoted by the anti-sunscreen movement and the state of the scientific evidence.

Claim Assessment Description / Expert Consensus / Litterature review
“Sunscreen is toxic.” Unsubstantiated Posts frequently single out ingredients such as oxybenzone or octinoxate as carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting. Dermatologists and reporters note that human harm has not been demonstrated at real-world exposures and that systemic absorption findings warrant further study, not avoidance of sun protection.[6][1]
“Sunscreen causes cancer” Refuted Evidence reviews and position statements from dermatology organizations do not support this claim. Avoidance of sun protection increases exposure to UV radiation, a proven carcinogen.[3][15] Evidence reviews and randomized data do not support the claim that sunscreen causes cancer. A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies[21] found no increased overall risk of skin cancer among sunscreen users, with no significant association for melanoma) or non-melanoma skin cancer. Earlier positive associations seen in older studies diminish to the null by the early 1990s; heterogeneity is high and confounding (for example, use of low-SPF products to prolong sun exposure) is a concern. By contrast, randomized community data show squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) prevention with daily sunscreen, though basal-cell carcinoma reduction has not been unanimously demonstrated.[21][13][11]
“You can build a ‘natural tolerance’ to the sun.” Incorrect Some influencers claim that gradual, unprotected sun exposure can build a safe tolerance. Dermatologists and photobiologists state that any tan is a sign of DNA damage. While the skin thickens and produces more melanin in response to UV radiation, this provides only minimal protection (equivalent to a very low SPF) and does not prevent the cumulative damage that leads to skin cancer and photoaging.[22]
“DIY sunscreen is safer.” Misleading Medical centers and cancer foundations warn that homemade “natural” sunscreen recipes are unreliable and often provide insufficient UV protection compared with tested, regulated products.[23][24][25]
“Vitamin D negates the need for sunscreen.” False Dermatology guidance generally recommends obtaining vitamin D through diet and supplements rather than intentional UV exposure because the risks of cumulative UV damage outweigh the benefits of unprotected sun.[4]
“Sunscreen has no proven benefit.” Contradicted by evidence Randomized and follow-up data show prevention of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with regular sunscreen use (≈38% lower SCC tumor incidence over long-term follow-up). For melanoma, evidence is mixed: the 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis found no overall association between sunscreen use and melanoma risk (null result, with earlier positive associations trending to the null over time and substantial heterogeneity), and emphasized that observational studies are vulnerable to confounding by indication and historically low SPF/UVA protection. In children, a randomized trial reported fewer new nevi with broad-spectrum SPF 30, consistent with photoprotection benefits though not direct melanoma-incidence evidence. Some case–control work reported higher melanoma odds when sunscreen was used to prolong sunbathing with mostly low-SPF products; public-health guidance stresses that sunscreen should complement, not replace, shade and protective clothing.[13][21][11][14][26]
“Sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency.” Overstated While many studies show that sunscreen usage reduces vitamin D intake, a critical review and trial follow-up note that typical sunscreen use should not produce vitamin D deficiency if applied correctly[11]; additionally, adequate vitamin D can be obtained via diet and supplements without intentional UV exposure.[13][11] Finally, recent reviews and real-world trials indicate that, when used as directed, sunscreen does not meaningfully reduce blood vitamin D levels during normal outdoor activities.[27][28]
“Nano zinc oxide/titanium dioxide penetrate skin and are dangerous.” Unsupported EU regulatory assessments conclude that nano-forms of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe as UV filters in dermally applied sunscreens at permitted concentrations (up to 25%), but should not be used in spray/powder products that may lead to inhalation exposure.[29][30] Reviews of human and ex vivo data indicate these particles remain in the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum) with no demonstrated human toxicity from topical use.[11]
“Sunscreen makes you stay in the sun longer (risk compensation), so it doesn’t help.” Misleading In the Nambour community randomized trial,[12] long-term follow-up found no difference in reported time spent outdoors between randomized groups, yet the daily-sunscreen arm had a sustained reduction in SCC tumors—arguing against risk compensation as the explanation. The design paper also noted that any community spillover (greater sunscreen uptake by controls) would bias results toward underestimating benefit. Observational case–control work has reported higher melanoma odds when sunscreen is used specifically to prolong sunbathing with low-SPF products, underscoring guidance that sunscreen should be part of a broader sun-safety strategy rather than a license for longer exposure.[13][12][26]
“Sunscreen in kids doesn’t matter.” False In a randomized trial of white schoolchildren, broad-spectrum SPF 30 use was associated with fewer new nevi overall, and 30-40% fewer among freckled children, a group at higher melanoma risk.[14]
“Black people don’t get skin cancer / don’t need sunscreen.” False (harmful) Epidemiologic and clinical reviews show that melanoma and keratinocyte skin cancers do occur in people with darker skin, although incidence is lower than in white populations; diagnoses are more often late-stage and survival is poorer.[31][32] Acral lentiginous melanoma, the most common subtype among Black patients, occurs on palms, soles, and nail units and is not clearly UV-related, contributing to delayed diagnosis; nevertheless, dermatology guidance recommends sun protection for people of all skin tones to reduce UV-related damage and cancers, along with photoaging and sunburn.[33][34] Press and public-health reporting highlight that the “immunity” myth contributes to later presentation and worse outcomes and emphasize early detection and routine photoprotection for everyone.[35][36]

Public-health and expert responses

Professional societies and health systems have issued reminders on evidenced sun-safety practices (seeking shade, protective clothing, and appropriate sunscreen use) and cautioned against untested alternatives and false claims amplified by social media.[20][4] In August 2025, the FDA warned that certain mousse-format sunscreen products may be ineffective and issued warning letters to companies marketing unapproved drug products, while reiterating the importance of effective sun protection.[2]

Dermatological and cancer-prevention organizations have actively worked to counter the claims of the anti-sunscreen movement. In addition to the American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian dermatologists have labeled the claims as "misinformation," emphasizing that the risk from UV radiation far outweighs any purported risks from sunscreen ingredients.[37] The Cancer Council of Australia explicitly advises against using homemade sunscreens, noting they are not regulated for safety or efficacy and that natural oils provide insufficient protection.[38]

Experts also address the benzene contamination issue by clarifying it was a specific manufacturing problem affecting certain aerosol products and that benzene is not an ingredient in sunscreens.[1] Public health messaging consistently reinforces that proven sun-safety practices—seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a properly-tested, broad-spectrum sunscreen—remain the most effective strategies for preventing skin cancer.[4][15]

Media coverage

Mainstream reporting has framed anti-sunscreen narratives as part of a broader wave of wellness-oriented health misinformation online, noting the potential for harm if people abandon proven UV protection strategies.[3][1][15]

See also

  • Health misinformation
  • Sun tanning
  • Ultraviolet
  • Photoaging
  • Sunburn

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Malhi, Sabrina (10 August 2025). "The anti-sunscreen movement and what to know about its claims". The Washington Post (Nash Holdings). https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/08/10/anti-sunscreen-movement-risks/. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cerullo, Megan (13 August 2025). "Supergoop! and other mousse sunscreen products may not work, FDA warns". CBS News (CBS Interactive). https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mousse-sunscreen-fda-warning-supergoop-vacation/. Retrieved 25 August 2025. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Influencers Are Saying Sunscreen Causes Cancer. They Are Wrong.". The Wall Street Journal (Dow Jones & Company). 19 May 2024. https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/isunscreen-safety-social-media-influencers-wrong-a34bf75b. Retrieved 25 August 2025. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "How to apply sunscreen". American Academy of Dermatology Association. 15 August 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen. 
  5. ↑ Matta, M. Kevin (6 May 2019), "Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial", JAMA 321 (21): 2082–2091, doi:10.1001/jama.2019.5586, PMID 31058986 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Matta, M. Kevin (21 January 2020), Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients, JAMA, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2759002, retrieved 25 August 2025 
  7. ↑ "FDA announces results from second sunscreen absorption study". FDA. 21 January 2020. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-brief-fda-announces-results-second-sunscreen-absorption-study. 
  8. ↑ "Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® Aerosol Sunscreen Products Due to the Presence of Benzene". 14 July 2021. https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene. 
  9. ↑ "Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® Aerosol Sunscreen Product Lines". FDA. 14 July 2021. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-specific-neutrogenar-and-aveenor-aerosol. 
  10. ↑ "Valisure detects benzene in sunscreen". Valisure LLC. 25 May 2021. https://www.valisure.com/valisure-newsroom/valisure-detects-benzene-in-sunscreen. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Burnett, Mark E.; Wang, Steven Q. (2011). "Current sunscreen controversies: a critical review". Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 27 (2): 58–67. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0781.2011.00557.x. PMID 21392107. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Green, Adèle; Battistutta, Diana; Hart, Veronim; Leslie, David; Marks, Geoffrey; Williams, Gail; Gaffney, Philip; Parsons, Peter et al. (1994). "The Nambour Skin Cancer and Actinic Eye Disease Prevention Trial: Design and Baseline Characteristics of Participants". Controlled Clinical Trials 15 (6): 512–522. doi:10.1016/0197-2456(94)90008-6. PMID 7851100. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 van der Pols, Jolieke C.; Williams, Gail M.; Pandeya, Nirmala; Logan, Valerie; Green, Adèle C. (2006). "Prolonged Prevention of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin by Regular Sunscreen Use". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 15 (12): 2546–2548. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-06-0352. PMID 17132769. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Gallagher, Richard P.; Rivers, Jason K.; Lee, Tim K.; Bajdik, Chris D.; McLean, David I.; Coldman, Andrew J. (2000). "Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Use and the Development of New Nevi in White Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial". JAMA 283 (22): 2955–2960. doi:10.1001/jama.283.22.2955. PMID 10865273. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Hughes, Sali (23 July 2025). "Sali Hughes on beauty: if your teen won't wear sunscreen, try tempting them with these products". The Guardian (Guardian News & Media). https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025/jul/23/sali-hughes-on-beauty-teenagers-sunscreens-spf. Retrieved 25 August 2025. 
  16. ↑ Shridhar, Sachin M. (21 June 2024). "Debunking TikTok's Anti-SPF Claims: Is Sunscreen Really Bad for You?". https://www.glamour.com/story/is-sunscreen-bad-for-you-tiktok-anti-spf-movement. 
  17. ↑ Daviess, Beth (2 November 2023). "Sunscreen Skepticism: An Examination of Sunscreen and Sun Exposure Conspiracy Theories". Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. https://www.middlebury.edu/institute/academics/centers-initiatives/ctec/ctec-publications/sunscreen-skepticism-examination-sunscreen-and. 
  18. ↑ Mandell, Janna (22 June 2025). ""Big Sunscreen": When Misinformation Fuels Extremist Conspiracy Theories". BeautyMatter. https://beautymatter.com/articles/big-sunscreen-when-misinformation-fuels-extremist-conspiracy-theories. Retrieved 25 August 2025. 
  19. ↑ ""Big Sunscreen": When Misinformation Fuels Extremist Conspiracy Theories". George Washington University. 22 June 2025. https://donlab.columbian.gwu.edu/2025/06/22/big-sunscreen-when-misinformation-fuels-extremist-conspiracy-theories/. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Shining a Light on Sun Safety: Debunking TikTok's Anti-Sunscreen Claims". Columbia University. 28 August 2024. https://www.cancer.columbia.edu/news/shining-light-sun-safety-debunking-tiktoks-anti-sunscreen-claims. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Silva, Elizabet Saes da; Tavares, Roberto; Paulitsch, Felipe da Silva; Zhang, Linjie (2018). "Use of sunscreen and risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis". European Journal of Dermatology 28 (2): 186–201. doi:10.1684/ejd.2018.3251. PMID 29620003. 
  22. ↑ Sample, Ian (6 August 2025). "As influencers spread 'toxic' claims, what is the truth about sunscreen?". The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/aug/06/should-we-be-more-worried-about-sunscreen-or-the-sun-itself-suncream-health. 
  23. ↑ Garcia, Sarah (11 July 2024). "Don't Get Burned with DIY Sunscreen Trends". H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. https://www.moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/dont-get-burned-with-diy-sunscreen-trend/. 
  24. ↑ "Is Homemade Sunscreen Safe?". The Skin Cancer Foundation. 30 July 2024. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/is-homemade-sunscreen-safe/. 
  25. ↑ "Why You Should Never Make Your Own Sunscreen". Public Broadcasting Service. 20 May 2019. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/why-you-should-never-make-your-own-sunscreen. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Westerdahl, Johan; Ingvar, Christian; Måsbäck, Anna; Olsson, Håkan (2000). "Sunscreen use and malignant melanoma". International Journal of Cancer 87 (1): 145–150. doi:10.1002/1097-0215(20000701)87:1<145::AID-IJC22>3.0.CO;2-3. PMID 10861466. 
  27. ↑ Neale, Rachel E.; Khan, Sharmeen R.; Lucas, Robyn M.; Waterhouse, Mark; Whiteman, David C.; Olsen, Catherine M. (2019). "The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review". British Journal of Dermatology 181 (5): 907–915. doi:10.1111/bjd.17980. PMID 30945275. 
  28. ↑ Young, A. R.; Narbutt, J.; Harrison, G. I.; Lawrence, K. P.; Bell, M.; O'Connor, C.; Olsen, P.; Grys, K. et al. (2019). "Optimal sunscreen use, during a sun holiday with a very high ultraviolet index, allows vitamin D synthesis without sunburn". British Journal of Dermatology 181 (5): 1052–1062. doi:10.1111/bjd.17888. PMID 31069787. 
  29. ↑ Opinion on additional coatings for Titanium Dioxide (nano form) as UV-filter in dermally applied cosmetic products (SCCS/1580/16). Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. 2016-11-07. https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_202.pdf. Retrieved 2025-08-26. 
  30. ↑ "Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/621 of 21 April 2016 amending Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products". European Union. 2016-04-21. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32016R0621. 
  31. ↑ Agbai, Oma N.; Buster, Kesha J.; Sanchez, Miguel; Hernandez, Claudia (2014). "Skin cancer and photoprotection in people of color: a review and recommendations for physicians and the public". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 70 (4): 748–762. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.11.038. PMID 24485530. 
  32. ↑ Culp, MaryBeth B.; Lunsford, Natasha B. (2019). "Melanoma Among Non-Hispanic Black Americans". Preventing Chronic Disease 16: E80. doi:10.5888/pcd16.180640. PMID 31228233. PMC 6638592. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2019/18_0640.htm. Retrieved 28 August 2025. 
  33. ↑ "Finding skin cancer in darker skin tones". 3 June 2025. https://www.aad.org/news/skin-cancer-in-skin-of-color. 
  34. ↑ "Sun protection". https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection. 
  35. ↑ Vines, Brian (16 June 2025). "Too often, Black patients get late diagnoses of deadly skin cancer". The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/06/16/skin-cancer-black-melanoma/. 
  36. ↑ Winn, Stephanie (1 May 2024). "The myth about melanoma and skin cancer in people of color". UC Davis Health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/the-myth-about-melanoma-and-skin-cancer-in-people-of-color/2024/05. 
  37. ↑ Roberts, Darrell (28 September 2024). "Should you listen to TikTok and stop wearing sunscreen? Um... no, say these dermatologists". CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/tiktok-anti-sunscreen-reaction-1.7327881. 
  38. ↑ "I heard of a recipe for natural homemade sunscreen. Do these work?". https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/i-heard-of-a-recipe-for-natural-homemade-sunscreen-do-these-work. 



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