Abstract
Although the safety and efficacy of ultraviolet filters (sunscreens) is widely accepted by consumers and medical professionals, the scientific community has yet to validate this conclusion. This is evident based on multiple literature searches obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, sunscreen manufacturers and dermatologic organization websites. In the absences of definitive data, industry continues to promote the use of these products to prevent cancers, specifically a 40% reduction in squamous cell carcinoma and a 50% reduction in melanoma based on one confounded non-reproduced study with numerous design flaws. This causes consumers to be misinformed leading them to intentionally increase ultraviolet light exposure, increasing their risk of skin cancers. Until the scientific community can clearly demonstrate that these products reduce/eliminate skin cancers, consumers should follow sun avoidance measures.