Happy Wednesday! Today, we are answering the question of a trending topic: Is sunscreen toxic? People online are claiming it is, and avoiding it. However, sunscreen offers obvious benefits, especially when it comes to the look and health of your skin… read more about our opinions, including whether or not you should supplement with vitamin D if you do wear sunscreen, and the benefits of vitamin D.
We also include a look at one of our favorite summer herbs, basil. In this Food as Medicine dive, learn about the health benefits of basil, why it is a great addition to an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, and make our Basil and Zucchini Lemon Pasta!
We want to know: Do you wear sunscreen? Share in the comments…
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Is Sunscreen Toxic?
Dr. Weil's Take:
I often hear concerns about the safety of sunscreens, especially regarding ingredients like oxybenzone, which some reports suggest could act as hormone disruptors. While it’s true that these compounds can be absorbed through the skin, the evidence so far does not show that they cause harm at the levels we typically use. Personally, I much prefer mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide; they provide effective protection without the same concerns.
Of course, sunscreen is only one part of a broader sun-protection strategy. I also seek shade, wear protective clothing and a hat, and avoid being outside during peak UV hours. Combining these habits with responsible sunscreen use dramatically reduces the risk of skin damage, including skin cancer, and helps slow the visible signs of aging caused by UV exposure.
Another concern I hear is the worry that sunscreen blocks vitamin D production. In fact, you can still get vitamin D while protecting your skin:
Short moderate exposure to sunlight, about 10 to 15 minutes a day, is enough. However, for many of us, especially those living at higher latitudes or spending most of our time indoors, sun exposure alone isn’t enough. That’s why I take a daily vitamin D3 supplement, usually around 2,000 IU during months with limited sunlight, and I recommend the same for others.
Using sunscreen to protect the skin, practicing sensible sun habits, and supplementing vitamin D when needed allow us to stay healthy without unnecessary risk. Each person’s needs will vary based on skin type, location, and lifestyle. It is a good idea to check your vitamin D levels through blood testing. With these strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of sun exposure safely, without compromising your long-term health.
Diana’s Take:
I am more concerned about the cancer risk from sun exposure than from using sunscreen. The idea that sunscreen causes cancer has been thoroughly debunked by many reputable sources. But what is well established and backed by decades of research? That prolonged unprotected sun exposure causes skin cancer AND premature aging, both things I am trying to avoid. For me, using sunscreen regularly remains an important preventive measure.
However, I do try to pay attention to what’s in my skincare products, and I think overall we should be cautious about the products we’re using in our homes and on our bodies. I also think it’s important to hold companies to a higher standard in creating safe products. I personally look for mineral-based sunscreens, particularly those with zinc oxide, since they sit on the skin’s surface and are considered very safe.
There’s a great resource I recently found if you want to check the ingredients in your sunscreen. Dieux Skin offers a helpful tool called the Sunscreen Ingredient Checker, where you can enter your product and get a factual breakdown of the ingredients.
On the vitamin D side of things, I think most people aren’t actually at optimal levels, and it’s a good idea to get your levels checked at least once a year. I take a vitamin D supplement myself and was surprised to see that my levels were low on recent lab work. Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, you can take too much, so knowing what your levels are can help you make an informed choice on whether to supplement or not and how much you should be taking.
As with most things in the health space, it’s about balance. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays with sunscreen and sensible sun habits is far more important than worrying about potential risks from the products themselves. But also do your research and buy high-quality products with high safety ratings. Pay attention to your vitamin D levels, get them tested yearly, and consider taking a supplement if needed.
Is Sunscreen Toxic?
Dermatologists and public health experts strongly support sunscreen as a key tool in preventing UV-related skin cancer, premature aging, and DNA damage. However, concerns do exist for some forms of sunscreen. Learn more about choosing safe sunscreen, what to avoid, vitamin D supplementation, and food sources of vitamin D.
Should You Wear Sunscreen?
There are plenty of reasons to protect your skin from harmful UV rays - especially if you are outdoors doing specific activities. It is recommended you wear sunscreen of at least 15 SPF (or limit direct sun exposure) if you are:
Outside at peak UV hours. Typically 10 a.m.-4 p.m., when UV intensity is strongest.
In a high-altitude location. UV exposure increases with elevation.
In a reflective environment. Snow, sand, and water reflect UV rays, increasing exposure.
Post-procedure or have a skin injury. After chemical peels, laser treatments, or healing wounds, UV exposure can cause long-term discoloration or damage.Near the equator or in the summer months. The sun’s rays are more direct and intense.
5 Benefits of Sunscreen
The benefits of sunscreen are numerous. Regular, repeated application helps to:
Prevent Skin Cancer. UV radiation is the leading environmental cause of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Sunscreen helps block UVB rays (which burn) and UVA rays (which penetrate deeper and damage DNA over time).
Slow Premature Aging. UVA exposure accelerates wrinkles, sagging, and age spots by breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin. Daily sunscreen use is one of the most effective anti-aging steps.
Reduce Hyperpigmentation. Consistent SPF use helps prevent sun spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone, which can worsen with even brief sun exposure.
Protect Skin Health Year-Round. UV rays penetrate clouds and glass, meaning your skin is exposed daily - even indoors near windows or during overcast weather.
Preserve Skin Barrier Function. UV damage can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, making it more prone to dehydration, inflammation, and sensitivity.
Why Is “Sunscreen Is Toxic” Trending on Social Media?
The “anti-sunscreen” movement is gaining traction online, especially on TikTok, where influencers often claim sunscreens are more harmful than sun exposure itself. This has led some to ditch SPF altogether in favor of “natural” substitutes. Health professionals warn that this misinformation puts people at increased risk of sunburn, accelerated skin aging, and potentially life-threatening cancers.
That said, concerns do exist about some of the ingredients in sunscreen. Some sunscreens, especially aerosol sprays, have been found to contain benzene (a known carcinogen), potentially harmful inactive ingredients, and undisclosed allergens, per Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis.
Organic filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and others have been detected in the bloodstream under heavy application conditions, sparking scrutiny, though current evidence does not confirm real-world harm.
As regulatory reviews are ongoing, mineral-based formulations (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) remain the most thoroughly vetted and least systemically absorbed.
Sunscreen Versus Vitamin D
Some people point to low vitamin D levels as a reason to skip sunscreen, but the connection isn’t so straightforward. Regular sunscreen use by itself is unlikely to cause clinical deficiency - SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB, and most people don’t apply it perfectly. However, avoiding sun exposure completely can lower vitamin D production over time. Short, controlled periods of sunlight can help support healthy levels. However, it’s important to remember that many people live in places where the sun isn’t intense enough for vitamin D synthesis during parts of the year. In those cases, supplementation may be important
Why Is Vitamin D Important?
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is actually a fat-soluble hormone that the body can synthesize naturally. There are several forms, including two that are important to humans: D2 and D3.
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is synthesized by plants
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized by humans when skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight.
The Benefits of Vitamin D
There are a variety of reasons vitamin D is important for health, including:
Vitamin D helps to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium and promotes bone mineralization, which may prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis. I
It also helps to strengthen the immune system and protect against a number of serious diseases, including rickets and osteomalacia.
Research suggests vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, psoriasis, several autoimmune diseases (including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis), and reduce the incidence of fractured bones.
In addition, growing evidence has demonstrated its important role in defending against cancer; studies link a deficiency of vitamin D to as many as 18 different cancers.
Getting enough vitamin D from your diet alone can be difficult; see the chart below for some good food sources. Since sun exposure stimulates vitamin D synthesis, it is beneficial to get some every day. A helpful goal: aim to get about 15 minutes of sun exposure each day when you’re not wearing sunscreen.
Food Sources Of Vitamin D
It’s important to get enough vitamin D daily, and specific foods can be good sources. Here’s a list of foods rich in vitamin D, which can help support bone health, immune function, and hormone balance, especially useful if your sun exposure is limited.
Note that vitamin D is fat-soluble, so pairing these foods with a healthy fat - like olive oil, avocado, or nuts - can help your body absorb it more effectively.
Should You Take Vitamin D Supplements?
Based on recent research, Dr. Weil recommends 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day for most people. Look for supplements that provide D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2 (ergocalciferol).
We also recommend getting your vitamin D levels tested regularly and letting that guide how you supplement. While vitamin D levels above 20 ng/mL are considered normal, we like to see levels closer to 50 or 60 ng/mL for optimum health.
Food As Medicine: Basil, An Anti-Inflammatory Herb
We love basil - not just for its bright, vibrant flavor and versatility in the kitchen, but for its health benefits as well. Learn what makes basil an herb everyone should consider for its culinary and medicinal uses, and try our recipe featuring basil!
Basil’s Nutritional Profile
Basil is rich in:
Vitamin K, which supports healthy blood clotting and bone health.
Vitamin A ( beta-carotene) promotes eye health, immunity, and skin health.
Vitamin C, which is important for immune function and collagen production.
Manganese supports bone development and metabolic health.
Basil also provides small amounts of magnesium, iron, and calcium.
Key Health Benefits of Basil
If you are looking to add an anti-inflammatory herb to your diet, basil is a wonderful choice. Basil provides:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Eugenol, a plant compound that helps block certain enzymes that trigger inflammation. Basil may also help soothe inflammation-related conditions like arthritis or inflammatory digestive issues.
2. Antioxidant Support. Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols that protect cells from oxidative stress, basil’s compounds may reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, including heart disease.
3. Immune System Support. Vitamin C and plant compounds like ursolic acid may help your body fight infections and support recovery.
4. Gut and Digestive Health. Basil is traditionally used to ease bloating and improve digestion, and its antimicrobial properties may help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
5. Stress and Mood Benefits. Holy basil (tulsi) contains adaptogenic properties that can help regulate cortisol and support resilience to stress.
6. Heart Health. Antioxidants help protect blood vessels from damage, and basil’s vitamin K supports healthy blood clotting and vascular health.
4 Ways to Enjoy Basil
Whether you use it fresh, in sauces, or freeze basil to use later, it is so versatile when it comes to culinary uses. Here are some of our favorites!
Fresh in salads, sandwiches, or wraps - the flavor adds a nice vibrancy.
In pesto, vinaigrettes, or sauces - a classic use of basil.
Chopped and scattered over grilled vegetables or seafood, for a nice balance to richer foods.
Blended into smoothies with citrus and leafy greens - a good way to get an extra anti-inflammatory boost.
Steeped and turned into tea- holy basil is especially good for this.
Basil & Lemon Zucchini Pasta Recipe
This pasta is perfect for summer: Basil and lemon brighten the dish without heavy sauces, and you can make good use of your zucchini! You can make this grain-free by using chickpea pasta, and add protein through grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu. Enjoy!
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or thinly sliced into ribbons
4 oz pasta or chickpea pasta
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish: cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or parmesan (dairy or dairy-free)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still bright green.
Remove from heat, add the cooked pasta, basil leaves, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
Top with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, or parmesan before serving.
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I am in my late 70's and unable to tolerate dairy. Taking a vitamin D supplement daily along with good calcium sources insures that I am taking better care of my bones as I age.
Basil for life! Thank you and the rundown on VItamin D was excellent as well.