Put the shea butter and measuring cups down! Health Canada released a public advisory urging Canadians to avoid using homemade sunscreen.
Homemade sunscreen recipes are becoming increasingly popular on social media, the advisory notes, and the national health agency warned the public on Friday about the potential risks of making and using homemade sunblock.
“Exposure to the sun without adequate protection is the leading cause of skin cancer,” Health Canada warned.
TikTok creator and DIY-enthusiast Nara Smith went viral months ago for her from-scratch sunscreen recipe, a video which had dermatologists condemning for its misinformation on proper SPF usage.
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“Our kitchens are not laboratories meeting any type of standards, nor are we cosmetic chemists with any type of training in formulation of products, let alone one that helps prevent skin cancer,” dermatologist Renée A. Beach told Now Toronto in an email statement.
Health Canada says store-bought sunscreens provide significant health benefits that can’t be recreated at home.
“When used with other sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours, they reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, protect people from sunburn and protect against premature aging of the skin,” its statement read.
Some people have claimed online that sunscreen is actually more harmful than helpful, believing that certain sunscreen products sold in stores contain chemicals that cause cancer. Health Canada says that is far from the case.
“Health Canada is aware that there are myths and misinformation circulating on social media about the safety of sunscreens, claiming that their ingredients are harmful to the skin and can cause cancer. All authorized sunscreens on the market are safe when used as directed.
The agency recommends using only authorized sunscreen products. According to Health Canada, sunscreens approved for sale in the country must have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN). This means that the agency has determined that the benefits of using the product outweigh the potential risks, when used as directed.
