Are Sunscreen Products Safe?
The Bottom Line
Sunscreens are generally considered safe. The risk of an adverse effect varies depending on which active ingredients are in the product. Sunscreens can sometimes cause skin irritation, rash, and allergic contact dermatitis. Toxicity is low if accidentally swallowed, applied to the eyes, or inhaled. Sunscreen can be applied to children 6 months of age and older.
What are sunscreens, and why are they important?
Sunscreens protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Broad-spectrum sunscreens block both UV-A and UV-B rays, which are the most damaging types of UV radiation. Chemical sunscreens (para-aminobenzoic acid [PABA], benzophenones, cinnamates, and salicylates) absorb UV rays before they can penetrate the skin. Physical sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) reflect the UV rays away from the skin.
Sunscreens are available as lotions, creams, sticks, and sprays. Sunscreen products have Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ratings, with sunburn protection improving with increasing SPF. Sunscreens with SPF 15–30 provide sufficient protection for most people. UV rays are strongest from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so the risk of sunburn is greatest at that time of day.
Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the ears, nose, and neck, 15–30 minutes before going outside. Apply the sunscreen generously and reapply it every 2 hours and after water activities. Sunscreen should be used even on cloudy days since UV rays can penetrate clouds. Sunscreens are important because they lower the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.
Are sunscreens toxic? Do sunscreens cause cancer?
Sunscreens are generally not considered toxic. The risk of toxicity varies depending on which active ingredients are in the product. Skin irritation and other adverse reactions are more likely to occur when applying chemical sunscreens. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreens and recommends their use. Sunscreens are not classified as known human carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). However, in 2021, several sunscreen products were recalled due to contamination with the carcinogen benzene.Are sunscreens safe during pregnancy?
Sunscreens are generally safe when applied to the skin during pregnancy. If you have questions about the safety of a certain product, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or speak with your health care practitioner.Can I put sunscreen on an infant?
Sunscreens are not recommended for infants under 6 months of age. It is best to keep babies in the shade, provide them with a hat with a brim, and dress them in clothing that covers their body. One option is to look for clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). There are many sunscreen products available for children 6 months and older.Rash from sunscreen: Can you be allergic to sunscreen?
Sunscreens can sometimes cause skin irritation, rash, and allergic contact dermatitis. For some people, sunscreens with PABA-like ingredients can cause a photo-allergic skin reaction, which increases the risk of sunburn. If a skin reaction occurs, switch to a sunscreen with a different active ingredient.What happens if you eat sunscreen?
Although sunscreens are not meant to be eaten, our bodies can typically handle small amounts of swallowed sunscreen. Mild effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea might occur.Sunscreen in eyes: Can sunscreen cause eye irritation?
Accidentally getting sunscreen in the eyes is more likely when using sprays or when trying to apply a lotion or cream to the face of a squirming child. Spraying your hands and rubbing them on your face minimizes the risk of getting sunscreen in your eyes. Sunscreen sticks are a good alternative for applying sunscreen to the face. Sunscreen in the eyes can cause irritation. If sunscreen gets into the eye, rinse the eye with water. Many sunscreens are water-resistant, meaning they will be more difficult to remove from the eye when rinsing with water, so longer rinsing might be necessary.What should I do if I inhaled sunscreen spray?
If you have inhaled sunscreen spray, the best initial treatment is to breathe fresh air. In most instances, this is all that is necessary. If you have trouble breathing, seek medical attention.What should I do if sunscreen is applied incorrectly or if I am concerned about toxicity?
If you experience adverse or unexpected symptoms from sunscreen, help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours daily.Clinical Toxicologist
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Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Read the sunscreen product instructions before use.
- Apply sunscreen to children until they are old enough to do it themselves correctly.
- Do not apply sunscreen to children less than 6 month of age.
- Take advantage of different product formulations for safest application. For example, use spray on the arms, legs, and torso, but use a stick or lotion on the face to avoid spraying into the eyes.
This Really Happened
A mom was applying sunscreen on her 4-year-old daughter. When she put the tube down to rub it onto her daughter’s skin, her 2-year-old son picked it up and squirted it into his mouth. He swallowed one mouthful before the mom grabbed the tube from him. He did not like the taste, but otherwise seemed fine. The mom called the poison center and was instructed to wipe out his mouth and watch for vomiting and/or diarrhea. If either occurred, she was instructed to give him fluids to stay hydrated, but there was no cause for concern.
For More Information
Wadyka S. When can babies wear sunscreen? Consumer Reports. August 3, 2023. Accessed May 12, 2024.
References
Balk SJ. Sun protection. Pediatr Rev. 2023;44(4):236-239.
Guenther J, Johnson H, Yu J, Adler BL. Photoallergic contact dermatitis: no fun in the sun. Cutis. 2022;110(5):241-243,267.
Wood AC, Albertini LW, Thompson LA. What parents should know about sun and sunburns in children. JAMA Pediatr. 2023;177(5):547.
Young AR. The adverse consequences of not using sunscreens. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2023;45 Suppl.1:11-19.
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Read the sunscreen product instructions before use.
- Apply sunscreen to children until they are old enough to do it themselves correctly.
- Do not apply sunscreen to children less than 6 month of age.
- Take advantage of different product formulations for safest application. For example, use spray on the arms, legs, and torso, but use a stick or lotion on the face to avoid spraying into the eyes.
This Really Happened
A mom was applying sunscreen on her 4-year-old daughter. When she put the tube down to rub it onto her daughter’s skin, her 2-year-old son picked it up and squirted it into his mouth. He swallowed one mouthful before the mom grabbed the tube from him. He did not like the taste, but otherwise seemed fine. The mom called the poison center and was instructed to wipe out his mouth and watch for vomiting and/or diarrhea. If either occurred, she was instructed to give him fluids to stay hydrated, but there was no cause for concern.