TikTok sunscreen misinformation going viral, researchers warn of skin cancer risk

—Researchers have documented a surge in sunscreen misinformation spreading on TikTok, with videos falsely claiming sunscreens are dangerous or ineffective gaining millions of views. The viral content contradicts decades of dermatological consensus that sunscreen reduces skin cancer risk. Health experts warned the trend could lead people to forgo sun protection during summer months, increasing melanoma and other skin cancer rates. Studies found that algorithmic amplification is helping false sunscreen claims reach audiences far beyond those actively seeking the content.