Does sunscreen cause cancer?

What the evidence says

Sunscreen does not cause cancer — quite the opposite. Health Canada has directly addressed this myth, stating plainly that claims sunscreen ingredients cause cancer are misinformation, and that approved sunscreens are safe when used as directed and help reduce skin cancer risk. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that protecting skin from UV rays, including with sunscreen, lowers the risk of skin cancer later in life.

What's true is that some chemical (organic) UV filters, like oxybenzone, can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream at levels high enough that the FDA asked for more safety data. This doesn't mean those levels are harmful — a recent review found current evidence does not support a link between these absorbed chemicals and health problems, though researchers say more study is warranted.

If you'd rather avoid that uncertainty altogether, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide work by sitting on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, and are the type most often recommended for babies and young children.

The real, well-established cancer risk is from unprotected sun exposure and sunburns, not from sunscreen itself. For babies under 6 months, check with your health care provider before using sunscreen, and rely more on shade and clothing.