Does Sunscreen Cause Cancer? What the Evidence Says
A viral claim insists sunscreen causes the very cancer it's meant to prevent — here's what the actual evidence shows.
The Skin Cancer Foundation states that regular use of SPF 15 or higher reduces the risk of melanoma by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma by about 40%, and that there is no scientific evidence sunscreen causes skin cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation states plainly that sunscreen does not cause skin cancer and that the science consistently shows regular use lowers the risk of the most common forms.
Questions we get a lot
Is it true that sunscreen causes cancer?
No. There is no scientific evidence that sunscreen causes skin cancer. The viral claim often relies on misreading correlation and overlooks that people with the highest sun exposure or skin cancer history tend to use sunscreen most. Major dermatology authorities continue to recommend daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.
How much does sunscreen actually reduce skin cancer risk?
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher reduces the risk of melanoma by about 50% and squamous cell carcinoma by roughly 40%. Those reductions reflect consistent, correct use over time. Sunscreen works best alongside shade and protective clothing.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'My feed keeps pushing videos saying sunscreen actually causes melanoma. Is there anything to that or is it total nonsense?'