SPF Isn't Poisonous. Misinformation Is.
SPF is arguably the most important step in any skincare routine. With so many more formulas, finishes, and formats than ever before, finding one that works for your skin and your lifestyle has never been easier. So why aren't more of us wearing it?
Despite all the innovation in sun care, too many Americans are skipping SPF entirely. A growing wave of misinformation is making the problem worse, convincing people that the very thing protecting their skin is somehow harming it. We're here to set the record straight.
What the Data Actually Says
The American Academy of Dermatology's annual Safe Sun Survey paints an alarming picture. Fewer than 3 in 5 Americans wear SPF daily, and 30% don't even know that sunscreen can prevent skin cancer. Meanwhile, half of respondents said sunscreen feels too "messy" or like too much of a "hassle" to bother with.
But here's what's troubling: it's not just an inconvenience driving people away. It's fear.
A Known Carcinogen vs. a Made-Up One
Let's be clear about what we know: the sun is a known carcinogen and one of the leading causes of melanoma. That's not a hot take—it's established science. And yet, the same survey found that 21% of Americans now believe sunscreen is toxic, and 50% have encountered misinformation about sunscreen online.
The irony is hard to miss. People are being scared away from one of the safest, most well-studied skincare ingredients in existence, and toward unprotected sun exposure, which carries very real risks. Fear mongering is breaking through the algorithms. The science, meanwhile, is not ambiguous: sunscreen is not only safe, but it’s also one of the most effective tools we have against premature aging, dark spots, and collagen loss.
What a Dermatologist Wants You to Know
We asked Dr. Heather Rogers, a board-certified dermatologist and member of our Clean Beauty Council, to weigh in.
"People are doing more than ever in the quest for youthful skin, yet skipping the most important step,” she told us . “This poll highlighted how misinformation on social media is leading to lower sunscreen use, despite SPF being one of the simplest and most effective ways to care for your skin.”
Rogers added that studies consistently show that sunscreen is safe, and that wearing broad-spectrum SPF daily helps slow visible signs of aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
“Fundamentally, your skin pays the price when you skip it,” she explained. “Every day in clinic, I hear patients lament the years spent unprotected in the sun, but I have never heard anyone say, 'I wish I wore less sunscreen.’”
It’s Time to Find Your SPF
If "messy" and "hassle" are the reasons you're skipping SPF, we have good news. The sunscreen aisle looks nothing like it did ten years ago. At Credo Beauty, we’ve curated a range of some of the best skin-loving mineral SPF formulas out there, from hydrating serums and tinted moisturizers to sheer sticks and lightweight milks. Whatever your preference, there’s something here that will change the way you think about sun protection.
There’s only one rule that matters: use enough of it. A ¼ teaspoon is the standard for your face alone. Most people apply far less than that, which means far less protection than they think they're getting. We believe good skincare starts with effective ingredients you can trust—and SPF is no exception. Every formula we carry has been vetted to our highest standards, so the only thing you need to do is wear it.
