Most Skin Cancers Aren’t Just From the Sun — The Hidden Role of Chemicals in Everyday Products
For decades, we’ve been told that the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Sunscreen ads, dermatology campaigns, and even health authorities all emphasize staying out of the sun, covering up, or lathering up on heavy sunscreens. While excessive UV damage can certainly play a role, research shows the story is far more complex.
In fact, many skin cancers are more strongly linked to chemical exposure from the personal care products we use daily, such as body washes, fragranced lotions, shampoos, deodorants, and even many sunscreens themselves.
The reality is that while excessive UV damage can contribute to skin changes, many forms of skin cancer are more strongly linked to chronic chemical exposure through our body washes, synthetic fragranced lotions, shampoos, cosmetics, and even sunscreens themselves. Our skin is our largest organ, and it absorbs what we put on it. When those products are filled with endocrine disruptors, petroleum derivatives, and carcinogenic chemicals, it’s no surprise that skin cells can become damaged, mutate, and trigger cancer growth.
Chemicals Absorbed Through the Skin
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it absorbs much of what you put on it. According to studies, around 60% of topical products can be absorbed into the bloodstream (Brown et al., Am J Public Health, 2011). When those products contain toxic ingredients, your body is constantly filtering and storing chemicals that can damage cells and DNA.
The Worst Offenders
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Synthetic Fragrances
“Fragrance” on a label can mean a mix of hundreds of chemicals, including phthalates (hormone disruptors) and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Both are associated with increased cancer risk (NIEHS, 2020).
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Parabens
Widely used as preservatives, parabens mimic estrogen in the body and can disrupt hormone balance. Some studies link parabens to breast and skin cancer development (Darbre, J Appl Toxicol, 2003).
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
A harsh detergent found in soaps and shampoos. While it may not directly cause cancer, it strips the skin barrier, allowing other toxins and carcinogens to penetrate deeper.
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Petroleum-Derived Ingredients
Mineral oils and petrolatum can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known carcinogens (IARC, 2010).
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Chemical Sunscreens (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone)
These ingredients are endocrine disruptors and some become toxic when exposed to UV light, ironically causing DNA damage in skin cells (Hayden et al., J Toxicol Environ Health, 2005).
The Sun Isn’t the Enemy
Moderate sun exposure is essential for health. UVB rays trigger vitamin D production, which is crucial for immune defense and has been shown to reduce the risk of several cancers (Holick, Am J Clin Nutr, 2004).
The problem arises when chemically-loaded skin interacts with sunlight. Many toxins in skincare products are photosensitizers, meaning they become even more damaging when activated by UV light. This may explain why skin cancer rates have continued to rise, despite decades of heavy sunscreen use.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
The solution isn’t to fear the sun — it’s to reduce chemical exposure so your skin can handle the sun naturally and healthfully.
✅ Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of chemical ones. We offer multiple zinc-oxide sunscreen options!
✅ Switch to fragrance-free, natural body care (or those scented with essential oils). We offer a multitude of natural soap bars
✅ Use natural moisturizers with ingredients like jojoba, shea butter, or coconut oil instead of synthetic lotions. View our all-natural body butters
✅ Detox your home by eliminating artificial air fresheners, chemical cleaners, and laundry detergents.
✅ Support your skin barrier with nourishing oils and avoid harsh sulfates.
It’s time to shift the narrative. Most skin cancers don’t come solely from the sun — they stem from years of chemical exposure combined with light activation. Instead of demonizing the sun, we should be questioning the toxic products we’re encouraged to use daily.
By choosing cleaner skincare and embracing safe, natural sun practices, you not only protect your skin but also support your overall health.
Your skin deserves more than a daily chemical assault — it deserves nourishment, protection, and the natural healing that comes from working with your body, not against it.
