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Why Anti-Sunscreen Content Is Going Viral on TikTok
Researchers found 87% of nearly 1,000 videos promoted sunscreen use, but misinformation drew the most engagement on TikTok.
- On Thursday, a University of Alberta study published in PLOS Digital Health found that TikTok videos containing sunscreen misinformation generate significantly higher audience engagement than those promoting the product.
- While 86.8% of analyzed content promoted sunscreen, the 6% containing health-related critiques—such as claims that products cause cancer or block vitamin D—consistently received more likes, shares, and comments.
- Young people disproportionately rely on TikTok for health information, even as skin cancer rates soar; Alessandro Marcon, a research associate at the University of Alberta's Health Law Institute, warned that misinformation ranged from "sunburns aren't dangerous" to toxicity claims.
- Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, argues experts must simplify cancer prevention messaging to compete with the "outsized viral potential" of misleading content.
- Regulators recently approved bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen ingredient in more than 20 years, providing new options; experts say plain-language communication remains the most effective tool to counteract social media myths.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources50
Leaning Left10Leaning Right9Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center
L 28%
C 47%
R 25%
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