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A recent study revealed that certain sunscreen chemicals can be found in your bloodstream after just one day of generous application, but don’t panic—sunscreen remains safe to use, and you don’t necessarily have to switch brands.
Is it harmful if sunscreen is absorbed by the skin?
Not really. It's been known for a while that sunscreen can be absorbed, so this isn’t new information. The FDA guidelines account for some absorption, but if the levels exceed 0.5 ng/mL, further safety studies are required. The new study confirmed that these levels can indeed be reached if you apply a large amount of sunscreen.
How much sunscreen are we talking about?
Participants in the study applied far more sunscreen than most of us do in real life. Researchers followed the “proper” instructions, using two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin and reapplying that amount multiple times throughout the day. In reality, most people use only a quarter to half of that amount at once and may reapply less often, if at all.
Should I stop using chemical sunscreens?
You should certainly continue using sunscreen, as its benefits are well-documented, and this study doesn’t suggest sunscreen is unsafe—only that it might be more complex than we originally thought.
If you're concerned, you could opt for sunscreens with titanium oxide or zinc oxide, which are not absorbed into the skin. However, these sunscreens have their drawbacks: they can leave a white cast on the skin when applied thickly and may not offer full protection across the entire UV spectrum.
Dr. Anjali Mahto, a dermatologist and the author of The Skincare Bible, expressed her thoughts succinctly on Instagram, saying, “Personally, I’m not altering my product usage or routine based on this study. While the findings are intriguing, they don’t align with how I apply sunscreen in my everyday life.”
