A viral social media post claiming that some sunscreens could be harmful has sparked fresh concerns about everyday sun protection products. The post alleges that certain sunscreen ingredients are linked to health risks, with claims that some US products contain harmful chemicals, fail SPF tests, or may even put users at greater risk.
The claims have gained attention online, with thousands of shares and comments from concerned users questioning whether sunscreen products can truly be trusted. However, experts and fact-checkers have warned that many of the claims circulating online are misleading and lack scientific evidence.
Viral Post About Sunscreen Being Harmful Goes Viral
A Threads post warning people about sunscreen safety has gone viral, receiving more than 4,000 shares. The user behind the post claimed that recent investigations had exposed 'a broken system' and alleged that some sunscreen products may be unsafe.
It claimed aerosol sunscreens had been recalled over benzene contamination, while ingredients such as oxybenzone and homosalate were linked to hormone disruption. The post also alleged that independent tests found some major brands failed SPF accuracy checks, with some SPF 50 products reportedly testing much lower.
The post also raised concerns about nano-zinc in mineral sunscreens and included a video appearing to show an ABC 15 Arizona report claiming sunscreen chemicals can enter the bloodstream after one day of use.
The report discussed chemical sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, ensulizole and octocrylene. It compared them with mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide, which work by reflecting UV rays.
Online Users Now Raise Safety Concerns
The viral post prompted many users to share their worries about cosmetic ingredients and product regulations.
Some commenters questioned why consumers had to research ingredients themselves before buying everyday products. One user wrote: 'How sad is it that we have to dissect ingredient lists in our products to see if they contain poison, instead of company's just not selling the poison in the first place.'
Others argued that sunscreen regulations differed between countries, with some users recommending products from South Korea, Japan or France instead. Several commenters claimed that Asian skincare products had stricter standards compared with those sold in the US.
Some users also referenced previous concerns about chemicals in consumer products. 'This is not new info.... Years ago this came out. You just have to actively keep up with public health announcements,' one comment read.
Fact Check: The Truth Behind Sunscreen Claims
The claims circulating online are not new. According to AFP Fact Check, the same video resurfaced in 2024 and was already debunked at the time after making similar claims about sunscreen ingredients entering the bloodstream and potentially causing harm.
AFP's investigation found that the video referenced a 2019 study on sunscreen absorption. However, the research only examined whether certain sunscreen ingredients could be detected in the blood after use and did not prove that these ingredients were dangerous or linked to health risks such as cancer.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also reviewed sunscreen ingredients and their absorption levels. Experts have explained that the presence of an ingredient in the bloodstream does not automatically mean a product is unsafe.
While more research is still needed for some sunscreen chemicals, there is currently no evidence that approved sunscreens cause cancer.
Concerns about benzene contamination are also separate from the safety of sunscreen ingredients themselves. Some aerosol sunscreen products have previously been recalled after benzene, a known carcinogen, was detected as a contaminant. However, these recalls do not mean that sunscreen products in general contain harmful levels of benzene.
What Science Says About Sunscreen Safety
Health authorities and dermatologists continue to recommend sunscreen as an important part of protecting skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Scientific evidence shows that excessive exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of skin cancer and contribute to premature skin ageing. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade and wearing protective clothing remain widely recommended methods of reducing sun damage.
Chemical sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed through the skin, but researchers have not found evidence that this absorption causes cancer or serious health problems when products are used as directed.
Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often recommended for people with sensitive skin because they sit on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays. However, both mineral and chemical sunscreens are considered effective options when properly formulated.
Consumers can choose products that suit their preferences, such as fragrance-free formulas or mineral options, but current scientific evidence does not support claims that sunscreen itself is harmful.
The viral post highlights genuine public interest in understanding cosmetic ingredients and product safety, but several of its claims mix real concerns with unsupported conclusions.
