Which chemical sunscreen ingredients should you avoid?

Which ingredients have clear safety concerns?

On September 10, 2026, the FDA issued a final order removing PABA and trolamine salicylate from its framework for nonprescription sunscreens because their risks outweigh their benefits. The order's effective date cannot be earlier than one year after issuance. The FDA is not aware of any sunscreens currently sold in the US containing either ingredient, so this is unlikely to require a change to your usual purchase.1

Avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene and oxybenzone are among the ingredients for which the FDA has requested additional safety data. That is a different category from PABA and trolamine salicylate, which have identified safety issues. A pending safety assessment is not a reason to abandon sunscreen. Chemical, mineral and hybrid sunscreens can all provide effective protection when they offer broad spectrum coverage, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance.13

Should you avoid oxybenzone?

For sensitive or allergy prone skin, skip oxybenzone, also listed as benzophenone 3. Health Canada permits oxybenzone in sunscreens within concentration limits. Human studies suggest possible hormone and developmental effects, while animal studies have found reproductive and developmental effects. Oxybenzone is absorbed into the body, but detecting it in urine does not itself mean it is harming your health. If you prefer to avoid it, choose another sunscreen rather than going without protection.24

What if sunscreen gives you a rash?

The culprit is not always a UV filter. Fragrances and preservatives cause many sunscreen allergies. For sensitive or allergy prone skin, avoid fragrance and parabens as well as oxybenzone. If a sunscreen stings or burns, choose a fragrance free formula whose only sunscreen filters are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both.25

Oxybenzone and octocrylene can trigger photoallergy, an allergic reaction activated by light. An itchy rash mainly where sunscreen and sunlight meet is a reason to stop the suspected product and seek medical assessment, not to diagnose the ingredient yourself. A dermatologist can use patch testing and photopatch testing to identify the trigger. Once an allergy is confirmed, avoid that ingredient across products, including any alternative names used on labels. Photoallergic reactions can continue for up to three weeks after avoiding the trigger.56

Speak with your doctor before testing a sunscreen at home for allergy. A small area that tolerates a product does not rule out irritation, and ordinary patch testing alone can miss an allergy that needs sunlight to develop.5

How to choose a replacement

Read the protection claims and the ingredient list, because the front of the bottle is usually more interested in being hired.23

1. 1First, check for SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, and water resistance.
2. 2Next, read the Active Ingredients section. If you want to avoid chemical filters entirely, choose zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both, without additional chemical filters.
3. 3Then check the other ingredients for fragrance or any confirmed allergens. A mineral formula still needs this check.
4. 4Finally, choose a finish you will use regularly. A tinted sunscreen that matches your skin tone can reduce visible white residue.

Tint can help with white residue, which is more useful than the word invisible making another ambitious appearance on a bottle.2

Use your replacement every day you will be outside, on skin not covered by clothing. Apply to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, then reapply approximately every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions. Keep using shade and protective clothing alongside sunscreen.3