Sunsafe or Not? The Misinformation About Sunscreen on TikTok
It’s really heating up out there!
A recent study has highlighted a troubling trend regarding sunscreen misinformation spreading on TikTok. Many users are suggesting that applying sunscreen could actually be “harmful” to those soaking up the sun.
Although sunscreen content makes up a mere 13% of social media posts, videos questioning its safety and effectiveness seem to attract a lot more engagement—likes, comments, and shares—compared to those promoting its use. This is according to findings published in PLOS Digital Health.
Researchers examined the 971 most viewed videos related to sunscreen from late September 2024 to analyze the presence and characteristics of misinformation related to this topic.
Interestingly, they found no scientific backing for claims that popular ingredients in “chemical” sunscreens—like oxybenzone—are detrimental to health.
The study notes that while some consumers might lean towards mineral or “natural” sunscreens that block UV rays, both chemical and mineral options are regarded as safe. Skipping sunscreen entirely is not a safer alternative, regardless of the type.
Some TikTok users have raised concerns that sunscreen could act as an endocrine disruptor, interfere with hormonal balance, contaminate breast milk, and even harm the environment, claiming it contains microplastics and other “toxic” ingredients.
Remarkably, about 86% of the videos actually endorsed sunscreens that protect against skin damage, aging, and cancer. Only a small fraction—6%—criticized these products, while the remaining 7% were neutral reviews without a clear recommendation either way.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost half of Americans received a “C” grade or worse on a sun safety quiz, despite over half feeling positive about their sun protection habits. Among the younger Gen Z demographic (ages 18-29), around 33% scored a “D” or “F” on that same quiz.
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist affiliated with MDCS Dermatology in New York and a researcher with the AAD, remarked that “95% of misinformation can be traced back to social media.” She explained this might be due to influencers glorifying excessive sun exposure, which could create a misguided perception about tanning.
