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Fact check: As Europe bakes, should you trust your sunscreen?

DW English · Jun 26, 2026, 10:30 AM

Key takeaways

  • As a heatwave sweeps across Europe, claims are resurfacing online questioning whether sunscreen is safe or linked to skin cancer risk.
  • While many recognize the need to use sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun, some, particularly on social media, have been discussing whether it could actually be harmful.
  • The discussion centers around the question of whether sunscreen could increase the risk of skin cancer rather than reduce it.

Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.

As a heatwave sweeps across Europe, claims are resurfacing online questioning whether sunscreen is safe or linked to skin cancer risk.

https://p.dw.com/p/5G3CMA folding fan can help you cool down in the heat, but it doesn't do much to protect your body from UV rays Image: Sarah Meyssonnier/REUTERSAdvertisement Millions of people across Europe are dealing with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius(104 degrees Fahrenheit), baking under a heat dome, with hot nights making recovery harder.

While many recognize the need to use sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun, some, particularly on social media, have been discussing whether it could actually be harmful.

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