NU.nl regularly checks the reliability of news. NUjij readers wondered if it is true that applying sunscreen can cause cancer. Is there a kernel of truth in this? No, inquiry reveals: that claim is nonsense.
Summer has begun, with a bright sun and high temperatures. Reason to apply sunscreen, but videos are appearing on TikTok questioning the use of sunscreen. It is even claimed that it would cause cancer. But that’s not true.
Where does it come from?
It is not entirely clear where the rumors about the carcinogenic properties of sunscreen come from. The story has been around for about 25 years. The substance often mentioned as carcinogenic is oxybenzone. This substance is an active ingredient in many common sunscreens. Oxybenzone absorbs harmful UV radiation, which means you burn less quickly.
According to various reports, the substance would disrupt the hormone balance, which would, for example, lead to a higher risk of breast cancer. Oxybenzone would also produce substances when exposed to sunlight that can damage DNA and thus cause cancer.
Why is it not correct?
Oxybenzone has been approved by the European Commission as an ingredient in cosmetics. A sunscreen product may contain up to 6 percent oxybenzone. Scientists commissioned by the European Commission conducted research into the substance in 2001. They concluded that it has no negative effects on the hormone balance.
Also in an advice from 2008, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Products indicates that there are no health risks associated with the use of oxybenzone in sunscreen. It is possible that it causes skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
In 2011, American researchers made an analysis of previous studies that would show that sunscreen is bad for you. These researchers concluded that the studies that showed so-called negative effects of oxybenzone had major technical shortcomings. In one of the studies, for example, mice were given oxybenzone as food in an “astronomically high” dose.
Since then, science has not reached other insights. Dermatologist Jorrit Terra of Isala Dermatologisch centrum confirms to NU.nl (again, because this story was circulating among our readers a few years ago) that there is no danger to health with normal use of sunscreen. “The research with the mice was carried out on such a small scale that you cannot say anything about the harmfulness of this. People can safely apply the various sunscreens that are for sale in the Netherlands.”
Terra also advises people to do this: “Use a sufficiently high factor suitable for your skin type, apply often enough (several times a day) and with a UVA and UVB filter.”
Concerns about misinformation
The KWF Kankerbestrijding (Dutch Cancer Society) is concerned about the misinformation circulating on social media. A spokesperson tells NU.nl: “Some messages state that UV filters and other substances in sunscreens are carcinogenic. This is not correct. There are strict safety requirements under European legislation. It states that carcinogenic substances in cosmetics are prohibited. Sunscreens are also extra checked by a safety assessor. They check whether the substances used in the product are safe. So sunscreens are safe to use.”
The KWF also emphasizes that it is important that people apply sunscreen well: “Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. 1 in 5 people get it, last year that was 77,000 Dutch people. UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer and sunscreen protects you against it.”
Conclusion
Multiple studies have shown that the use of sunscreen is not carcinogenic. Applying sunscreen regularly cannot hurt you, it is a good way to protect yourself against skin cancer. This is confirmed by dermatologist Jorrit Terra and the KWF. They both emphasize that applying sunscreen well reduces the risk of sun-induced skin cancer.
We therefore rate the claim that sunscreen can cause cancer as false.