Yahoo Lifestyle I Asked Two Derms To Break Down All the Safety Drama Surrounding SPF Once and for All
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Welcome to Cosmo's first-ever SPF week, a space dedicated to two very important things: 1. reminding you that sunscreen is the most essential step in any skincare routine and 2. sharing the best sunscreen recs to shop right now, according to four very picky beauty editors.
Sunscreen has had a serious glow-up in recent years. Gone are the days of ghostly white finishes, thick goop-like lotions, and formulas that sting and burn. The sunscreens of 2025 are lightweight, glowy, and genuinely enjoyable to apply and reapply—think milky serums, fluid-like tints, and dewy moisturizers with built-in SPF. Basically, the excuse "it feels gross and sticky" no longer exists.
But despite this wave of new and actually wearable sunscreens, people are still skipping SPF. According to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, 37 percent of Gen-Z adults only wear sunscreen when nagged to do so by others (I'm sorry but WHAT!). Even more alarming is that the survey found more than half of Gen Z adults are unaware of the negative effects of getting a sunburn, like the increased risk of developing skin cancer or premature skin aging (i.e. wrinkles and dark spots).
For a generation collectively obsessed with skincare products, sunscreen hasn't fully caught on. So what gives? I'm blaming a flood of social media myths questioning the safety of sunscreen, the (very wrong) belief that sunscreen is only for beach days, or the idea that your makeup with SPF is doing enough (it’s not). This misinformation is keeping people from using what dermatologists unanimously agree is *the* most essential step in any skincare routine, regardless of your age, skin type, or skin tone.
So, let’s scream it from the rooftops together: sunscreen is safe, effective, and non-negotiable. It’s not just your best defense against skin cancer, it’s the secret to keeping your skin healthy, even-toned, and glowing for the long haul too. Don't believe me? Just listen to what board-certified dermatologists Alexis Stephens, MD, Heather Rogers, MD, have to say.
Is it safe to wear sunscreen every day?
It's not only safe to wear sunscreen every day, but it’s also strongly encouraged. Even on days when it's cloudy and you might not see the sun, you can still be impacted by sun damage, trust! "Sunscreen is an essential tool to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, prevent premature aging, and reduce the risk of skin cancer," says Dr. Rogers. "While there has been growing concern over the safety of certain sunscreen ingredients, it is crucial to separate scientific evidence from misinformation. The key takeaway: any sunscreen is better for your skin than no sunscreen," she explains.
Does sunscreen absorb into your bloodstream?
Mineral sunscreens (formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin to deflect UV rays and don’t absorb into the bloodstream. However, chemical sunscreens (formulas with avobenzone, homosalate, or oxybenzone) will penetrate into the skin when applied. "A 2019 study published in the journal by The American Medical Association showed when we apply sunscreen to our entire body we absorb more of the active chemical ingredients into our blood than we had previously thought or previously identified as safe," explains Dr. Rogers. This isn't a reason to panic though, nor does it mean that chemical sunscreens are inherently bad for us. "The FDA has asked sunscreen companies to do additional testing to show that at higher levels these ingredients are safe and those studies are going on now," says Dr. Rogers.
Is chemical sunscreen safe?
"There has been some concern about certain chemical filters like oxybenzone due to their potential hormonal activity in lab studies. However, the levels used in sunscreen are much lower than those studied in isolation, and regulatory agencies like the FDA are continuing to evaluate them," says Dr. Stephens. "What’s important to know is that these ingredients are still permitted in SPF because no definitive evidence has shown they’re harmful when used in sunscreen," says Dr. Stephens.
"Some chemical sunscreen ingredients, particularly oxybenzone, have raised concerns due to potential environmental impacts, such as coral bleaching, leading to bans in certain regions,” says Dr. Rogers.
Dr. Rogers also points out that “terms like 'non-toxic' and 'clean beauty' are often used in ways that imply chemical sunscreens are harmful, despite a lack of scientific evidence. If you have a chemical sunscreen you love, feel free to keep using it but if chemical filters make you uneasy, no worries—you can always reach for a mineral (aka physical) formula instead.
What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are effective at preventing sun damage, but they work in different ways. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, and they often offer a more transparent, invisible finish. However, as we mentioned, higher levels of some of their active ingredients are currently under further scientific review.
Whereas mineral sunscreens sit on the skin’s surface to physically block and reflect UV rays. They’re generally more stable in the sunlight and are a safer bet for sensitive skin, though the downside is some formulas may be thicker or tougher to rub in.
"Both can be effective when formulated properly and applied correctly," says Dr. Stephens. "Mineral sunscreens are great for sensitive skin, while chemical sunscreens tend to blend more easily and are often preferred for deeper skin tones due to fewer white cast issues."
Which is the safest sunscreen to use?
It’s worth remembering that any sunscreen is better than none—protecting your skin from UV damage is the most important thing, no matter which formula you choose. That said, mineral sunscreens are often considered the gentlest and safest option. "I often recommend mineral sunscreens, especially for anyone who is pregnant or has sensitive skin," says Dr. Rogers. "That said, a well-formulated chemical sunscreen can be an excellent option for those who prefer a more lightweight or invisible finish." Whether you choose a mineral or chemical sunscreen, know that the best sunscreen is the one you will use consistently, says Dr. Stephens. "Look for broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB), an SPF of at least 30, and water resistance if needed," she adds.
To help you find a formula you’ll actually want to wear every day, we’ve rounded up some of our go-to SPFs, loved by both editors and dermatologists below.
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60
The takeaway:
Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine (yes, more than your beloved Drunk Elephant serum or CeraVe moisturizer). "A lot of fear stems from misunderstandings around scientific studies, sensationalized headlines, and a general mistrust of chemicals," says Dr. Stephens. "People often forget that even water is a chemical—so it’s more about the dose and context." AKA, listen to the doctors, and don't believe everything you see on TikTok!
Meet the experts:
Heather Rogers, MD, is a double-board certified dermatologic surgeon and founder of Doctor Rogers Skin Care. She practices full-time at Modern Dermatology in Seattle, WA.
Alexis Stephens, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Parkland, FL. She specializes in skin of color and is the founder of Lex Dermatology.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers everything from hair trends to LED masks. For this story, she used her extensive beauty knowledge and tapped board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Heather Rogers and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens for their insight and expertise.
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