The 'SPF in Everything' Trend: Helpful or Hype?
SPF moisturizers, primers, lip balms: do they actually count?
AAD (2025): 32% of Gen Z scored a 'D' or 'F' on basic sun-protection knowledge.
FDA's Janet Woodcock: absorption of an ingredient does not by itself mean the ingredient is unsafe.
Frequently asked questions
Is sunscreen actually bad for you?
For the vast majority of people, no — major dermatology bodies consider sunscreen safe and effective, and the proven risks of unprotected UV (skin cancer, premature aging) are far greater. The FDA is studying how some chemical filters are absorbed, but absorption alone does not mean harm.
Does sunscreen cause cancer?
No credible evidence shows sunscreen causes cancer; the established science is that UV exposure causes skin cancer and sunscreen helps prevent it. The myth usually stems from misread filter-absorption studies or one-off benzene contamination findings (benzene is a manufacturing impurity, not a sunscreen ingredient).
Is DIY sunscreen safe?
No. Homemade sunscreens can't be reliably tested for SPF or even coverage, and ingredients like coconut oil or zinc stirred into a cream don't disperse evenly enough to protect skin. Dermatologists strongly advise against DIY sunscreen; use a regulated, lab-tested product.
r/30PlusSkinCare: 'Is DIY sunscreen ever a good idea?'
Sources & citations
- NPR, 'Here's the deal on sunscreen misinformation found on TikTok' (2024)
- jamanetwork.com ↗