Is sunscreen safe to use?

Sunscreen gets discussed online in a way that can make a simple decision feel surprisingly complicated.

You may have seen claims that certain filters are absorbed into the body, disrupt hormones or contain ingredients that should be avoided altogether. At the same time, dermatologists continue to recommend sunscreen because ultraviolet radiation is a proven cause of skin damage and skin cancer.

For sunscreens sold legally in the UK, the important point is that products have to meet safety requirements before they can be placed on the market. Used as directed, sunscreen remains an important and well-established part of sun protection.

Is sunscreen actually safe?

For most people, yes.

Sunscreens sold in Great Britain are regulated as cosmetic products and must undergo safety assessment before they are made available to consumers.

That does not mean every sunscreen will suit every skin type. Fragrance, preservatives or particular filters can occasionally irritate sensitive skin or trigger an allergic reaction in an individual.

But that is different from saying sunscreen as a category is unsafe.

The evidence around sun exposure is much clearer. UV radiation damages skin, increases the risk of skin cancer and contributes to premature skin ageing. Sunscreen helps reduce that exposure when it is used properly alongside shade and protective clothing.

Why are people worried about sunscreen ingredients?

Some of the concern comes from studies showing that certain sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed through the skin.

Finding that an ingredient can be detected in the body does not, by itself, show that it causes harm. Safety assessments also consider how much someone is exposed to, the concentration used and whether that level is expected to pose a risk.

That distinction can easily get lost online, where “absorbed” can quickly become “dangerous”.

If you prefer to avoid a particular sunscreen filter, there are usually alternatives available. The important thing is not to abandon sun protection altogether because of concerns about one ingredient.

What about oxybenzone?

Oxybenzone is an organic UV filter that has received attention because studies have shown that it can be absorbed through the skin and detected in the body.

This has led to questions about possible effects on hormones.

Detection does not automatically mean that an ingredient is causing harm, though. Sunscreen filters used in products sold in the UK are subject to safety restrictions and permitted concentrations.

If you would rather avoid oxybenzone, you can choose a sunscreen containing different filters. There is no need to stop using sunscreen altogether.

Environmental concerns around certain sunscreen filters are a separate issue from whether a product is considered safe for human use.

Are mineral sunscreens safer?

Not necessarily.

Mineral sunscreens usually contain filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Other sunscreens use organic filters, sometimes described as chemical filters.

Both types are designed to protect the skin from UV radiation, and neither category is automatically safer simply because of the way it is marketed.

Mineral sunscreens can be a good option for some people with sensitive or reactive skin, although they may leave more of a visible cast depending on the formulation and skin tone.

For most people, the more useful question is which sunscreen they can apply comfortably, generously and consistently.

What about nanoparticles in mineral sunscreen?

Some mineral sunscreens use very small particles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to make the product easier to spread and reduce the white residue associated with older formulations.

This has led to concerns about whether nanoparticles can penetrate the skin.

Approved formulations intended for use on intact skin are assessed for safety before sale. Very small particles used in products that may be inhaled, such as some sprays or powders, are a separate consideration from creams or lotions applied to the skin.

For everyday facial or body sunscreen, choosing a formulation that you can apply properly is usually more useful than trying to avoid the word “nano” on principle.

Is sunscreen safer than being exposed to the sun?

Yes.

UV exposure is a known cause of skin cancer and photoageing. Sunburn increases skin cancer risk, while repeated exposure over time contributes to cumulative skin damage.

That does not mean sunscreen makes prolonged sun exposure safe.

It should be used alongside other measures, including:

• Spending time in the shade when the sun is strongest
• Wearing clothing that covers exposed skin
• Wearing a hat and sunglasses
• Avoiding sunburn
• Avoiding sunbeds

Sunscreen should not be used as a reason to stay in strong sun for longer.

What sunscreen should I choose?

For sun protection in the UK, choose at least SPF 30 with good UVA protection.

Beyond that, the best sunscreen is usually one you will actually use properly.

If your skin is oily or acne-prone, you may prefer a lighter fluid or gel. Dry skin may feel more comfortable with a richer cream. If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, a fragrance-free formulation or a different combination of filters may be easier to tolerate.

There is rarely a single sunscreen that is objectively best for everyone.

Application matters just as much as the label. Using too little sunscreen means you will not get the level of protection stated on the bottle.

Can sunscreen irritate sensitive skin?

It can.

Stinging, redness, itching or a rash may mean that a particular ingredient or formulation does not agree with your skin.

If that happens, stop using the product until the irritation settles and try a different formulation. A simpler, fragrance-free product may be easier to tolerate.

If reactions keep happening, are severe or involve significant swelling, speak to a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist. Occasionally, further assessment is needed to work out whether there is an allergy to a particular ingredient.

You do not necessarily need to stop using sunscreen altogether. Often, changing the product is enough.

Is fake tan safer than tanning in the sun?

Yes.

Fake tan changes the appearance of the outer layer of the skin without exposing it to ultraviolet radiation, so it is a safer way to achieve a tanned appearance than sunbathing or using a sunbed.

It does not provide meaningful sun protection unless the product separately contains an effective sunscreen.

You still need normal sun protection when UV exposure is high.

Sunscreen does not need to be something you fear

It is reasonable to question what you put on your skin, particularly when claims about sunscreen ingredients can sound alarming.

The useful comparison is not between sunscreen and zero risk. It is between the possibility that a particular product may irritate your skin and the well-established damage caused by UV exposure.

Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin, use at least SPF 30 with good UVA protection, apply enough and combine it with shade and clothing.

If one product does not agree with your skin, change the product rather than giving up sun protection altogether.

About the author

Dr Anjali Mahto is a London-based Consultant Dermatologist and cosmetic skin expert, specialising in acne, rosacea, and advanced non-surgical treatments. She is the bestselling author of The Skincare Bible and is known for combining evidence-based dermatology with a holistic, patient-focused approach to skin health.