Are sunscreens toxic? Here is what you need to know to protect yourself from skin cancer

By Alena Kuzub June 23, 2025

You might have heard from a social media post or a friend that sunscreens can be toxic. And more and more cosmetics products on the U.S. market contain sunscreen ingredients.

Should you avoid sunscreen?

The answer is no, says Leila Deravi, associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern University.

“Absolutely everybody should wear sunscreen because it does protect against skin cancer,” she says.

However, some chemicals in sunscreens and other cosmetic products can become toxic, Deravi says, if they exceed the threshold levels recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Read more from Northeastern Global News. 

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