- Sunscreen misinformation is rampant on TikTok, with many users claiming that lathering the lotion can be toxic to sunbathers, according to a new study.
- The study found that videos claiming sunburns aren’t dangerous and that sunscreen is harmful or unnecessary receive comparatively high levels of audience engagement.
- 87% of nearly 1,000 TikTok videos promoted sunscreen use, yet the most engaging content was misinformation, including claims that sunscreen is toxic or contains carcinogens.
- Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist, emphasized that using sunscreen does not cause skin cancer or lead to vitamin D deficiency, countering rampant social media narratives.
- The study highlighted that misinformation often focuses on chemical sunscreens, which are claimed to have harmful effects, despite no scientific evidence supporting these claims.
- A new analysis revealed that videos claiming sunscreen is toxic and blocks health benefits are gaining popularity, similar to anti-science claims about other products.
- Despite the prevalence of sunscreen promotion, only 6% of videos contained critiques of it, indicating a significant gap in accurate information.
- Dr. Molly Hales noted that both chemical and mineral sunscreens are regulated by the FDA, ensuring their safety before they are sold.
TikTok has become a breeding ground for sunscreen misinformation, with a recent study revealing that while 87% of videos promote sunscreen use, those claiming it is toxic or harmful garner significantly more engagement.136
Dr. Alessandro Marcon, the study's lead author, noted that misinformation includes claims that sunscreen can cause cancer, disrupt hormones, and even taint breast milk.
“There were specific mentions that sunscreen has a hormone-disrupting potential, it was cancer-causing, contained carcinogens, it could taint your breast milk or contain microplastics,” Marcon said.
Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist, emphasized the need for education, stating, “I have to spend a good amount of time in my consultation to talk about what actually is the truth: how sunscreen does actually help and how using sunscreen is not going to cause skin cancer.”4
Despite the overwhelming promotion of sunscreen, with 86% of videos highlighting its protective benefits against skin damage and aging, only 6% contained critiques.
“I would say 95% of the misinformation we can attribute to social media,” said Dr. Marisa Garshick, highlighting the urgent need for accurate information.
The study analyzed 971 of the most-viewed TikTok videos, revealing that misinformation, while only 13% of the content, received disproportionate engagement, raising concerns about public health implications.
“There are currently no scientific indications that any ingredient widely used in ‘chemical’ sunscreens (e.g. oxybenzone) is harmful to one’s health,” researchers concluded, urging consumers to rely on scientifically backed information rather than viral claims.8
“A new study reveals that TikTok is rife with sunscreen misinformation, with bizarre claims about sunburns not being dangerous gaining significant traction. Despite 87% of videos promoting sunscreen, those spreading misinformation receive disproportionately high audience engagement.”
