We’ve all been taught that sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, but what if the very thing we’ve been relying on to prevent skin cancer is actually contributing to it? Could sunscreen, in some cases, be part of the problem?
Sunscreen and the rise of skin cancer
Over the past few decades, sunscreen usage has skyrocketed, but so have skin cancer rates. While sunscreen undoubtedly plays a crucial role in shielding us from sunburns and UV radiation, some experts are questioning whether the ingredients in these products could be exacerbating the very issue they’re supposed to prevent.
The relationship between sunscreen and skin cancer is more complex than we’ve been led to believe. On one hand, sunscreen reduces immediate skin damage. On the other hand, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, continues to rise. Some researchers are now exploring the possibility that certain sunscreen chemicals might actually contribute to this alarming trend.
The role of toxic ingredients in sunscreen
Sunscreens generally use chemical or physical blockers to protect our skin. While physical sunscreens—those that contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—are often seen as safer, chemical sunscreens, which include ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, are raising some serious concerns.
Oxybenzone, for example, is absorbed into the bloodstream and has been linked to hormone disruption, potentially increasing the risk of developing certain cancers, including skin cancer. Meanwhile, octinoxate and other chemicals have been scrutinized for their potential to promote free radical formation, which is a key player in cancer development.
In 2021, the FDA released a study revealing that some sunscreen chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream in levels far higher than previously thought. Although we still don’t know all the long-term effects of this absorption, the concern is real: prolonged exposure to these chemicals could elevate the risk of various health problems, including skin cancer.
Sunscreen recalls and hidden dangers
In recent years, some well-known sunscreen brands have issued recalls after discovering dangerous levels of benzene—a known carcinogen—lurking in their products. While benzene isn’t a listed ingredient in most sunscreens, it can sometimes show up in trace amounts due to manufacturing contamination.
For example, Johnson & Johnson recalled several sunscreen products from their Neutrogena and Aveeno lines in 2021 after independent tests detected high benzene levels in the sprays. This raised serious questions about the long-term safety of sunscreen and its role in the increasing cases of skin cancer.
Who’s behind sunscreen brands and skin cancer treatment?
Here’s where it gets even more interesting: many of the same corporations producing sunscreens are also involved in developing skin cancer treatments. This overlap between creating the problem and providing the solution raises uncomfortable questions about a profit-driven cycle.
Companies like Neutrogena (owned by Johnson & Johnson), Coppertone (owned by Bayer), and Banana Boat (owned by Edgewell Personal Care) dominate the sunscreen market. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb (maker of Opdivo) and Merck (maker of Keytruda) are leading the charge in treating skin cancer. The disturbing overlap here is that these companies could be profiting from both the rise in skin cancer cases and the treatments that follow.
What can you do?
As consumers, staying informed about what goes into the products we use is more important than ever. While sunscreen remains a useful tool for protecting against immediate UV damage, we must be cautious of the long-term effects certain ingredients may have.
The good news? You don’t have to rely on chemical-laden sunscreens to protect your skin. Malina Organic Natural Sunscreen is a safer alternative, formulated with non-nano zinc oxide—a powerful and 100% natural mineral that provides broad-spectrum sun protection without the risks associated with chemical sunscreens.
Why non-nano zinc oxide?
Unlike nano zinc oxide, which consists of ultra-small particles that may penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, non-nano zinc oxide stays on the skin’s surface, forming a protective barrier against harmful UV rays. This means effective sun protection without the potential for systemic absorption.
While some brands use titanium dioxide as a mineral blocker, Malina Sunscreen exclusively uses zinc oxide because titanium dioxide has been linked to concerns over potential free radical production when exposed to sunlight. Zinc oxide, on the other hand, is more stable and offers superior broad-spectrum protection without these risks.
Unparalleled purity and organic ingredients
Malina Organic Natural Sunscreen is made with 100% certified organic ingredients, ensuring absolute purity and safety. Unlike conventional sunscreens that require preservatives and synthetic stabilizers, Malina is oil-based, meaning it requires no preservatives. This also makes it highly concentrated—a little goes a long way in providing lasting protection.
To suit different preferences, our sunscreen comes in a variety of scents:
For the body: Olive Oil (unscented), Lavender, Vanilla, Peppermint, and Chocolate (tinted in 3 shades).
For the face: Ylang-Ylang, Frankincense, Patchouli, and Blue Tansy.
Each ingredient is carefully selected for its nourishing and protective properties, ensuring that your skin receives hydration, antioxidants, and sun protection—without harmful chemicals.
Looking for a natural tan?
For those who love a sun-kissed glow but want to avoid toxic tanning oils, Malina Organic Wild Carrot Tanning Oil is the perfect alternative. Made with carrot seed oil and red raspberry seed oil—two oils naturally rich in SPF—this formula provides gentle sun protection while enhancing your natural tan.
Rather than blocking out the sun entirely, this oil works with your skin’s natural processes to encourage a healthy glow while protecting against excessive damage. It’s the ideal choice for those who want a radiant complexion while keeping their skincare routine chemical-free.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is an essential part of sun protection, but it’s important to be mindful of what we’re putting on our skin. With growing concerns over harmful chemicals, hormone-disrupting ingredients, and potential long-term health risks, choosing safer alternatives is more crucial than ever.
Mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide provide a safer, more stable option for UV protection without the risks associated with chemical filters. In addition to sunscreen, incorporating natural sun protection strategies—like wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and using plant-based oils with natural SPF—can help shield your skin while allowing your body to benefit from the sun responsibly.
Staying informed, reading ingredient labels, and making conscious choices about what we apply to our skin can help protect not just against immediate sun damage but also long-term health concerns. The key is balance—protecting your skin while avoiding exposure to unnecessary toxins.
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