Sunscreen Cost & Skin Cancer Risk: Dermatologists Urge Affordable Options
The price of sunscreen doesn’t necessarily reflect its effectiveness. A new economic analysis, published in JAMA Dermatology, reveals that sunscreens with identical SPF ratings and similar active ingredients can vary in price by more than 17-fold – from $0.57 to $10 per ounce. This significant cost difference raises concerns that higher prices may inadvertently lead to underapplication, potentially increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and elsewhere, investigated the financial implications of sunscreen use, factoring in both the cost of the product itself and the potential for combining sunscreen with protective clothing. The study, which analyzed prices from July to August 2025, found that the amount of sunscreen applied – and therefore the level of protection achieved – can be influenced by its cost.
The Cost of Protection: A Wide Range
The analysis focused on three SPF 50 sunscreens with comparable active ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. The lowest-priced option cost $0.57 per ounce, while the most expensive reached $10 per ounce. This price disparity has implications for how much product people are willing to use, according to Maria L. Wei, MD, PhD, professor of dermatology at UCSF. “In order to receive the sun protection at the SPF level on the container label, a specific amount of sunscreen needs to be applied to the skin,” Dr. Wei told Healio. “If the amount applied changes due to sunscreen cost, those using more expensive sunscreens may be unknowingly using less than they should. In other words less protection from sun damage than expected, which can potentially lead to an increased risk for skin cancer.”
Cost Considerations Beyond the Bottle
The researchers calculated the annual cost of sunscreen use based on recommended application amounts, also considering the impact of incorporating other sun protection measures. A single application of sunscreen, when combined with wearing short sleeves and shorts, had a median cost of $0.51, ranging from $0.24 to $4.20 depending on the product. However, the addition of sun-protective clothing – hats, long sleeves, pants, and shoes – significantly reduced the cost, bringing the median down to $0.08, with a range of $0.04 to $0.65.
The difference in cost between relying solely on sunscreen with minimal clothing coverage versus combining sunscreen with comprehensive protective clothing was substantial – a 105-fold difference, according to the study. Over a typical summer weekend, sunscreen costs ranged from $0.86 to $15.14 (median $1.84) with shorts and a t-shirt. A week at the beach could cost between $6.57 and $115.12 (median $14) for those wearing shorts, and $7.75 to $135.82 (median $16) for those in bikinis, assuming recommended application amounts. Annual costs for consistent sunscreen use ranged from $39.28 to $688.56 (median $83.55) for indoor workers and $81.53 to $1,429.42 (median $173.44) for outdoor workers.
Implications for Public Health and Dermatological Practice
The findings suggest that dermatologists can play a crucial role in promoting effective sun protection by recommending affordable sunscreen options alongside strategies to maximize protection through clothing. This approach could encourage more consistent and adequate sunscreen use, ultimately reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. The American Academy of Dermatology offers comprehensive guidance on sun protection strategies, emphasizing the importance of seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Dr. Wei emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach. “These results highlight the importance of physicians encouraging the use of clothing as a cover-up together with sunscreen use for more effective sun protection, to reduce the risk of skin cancer and the extent of photoaging,” she stated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides information on sun safety, highlighting the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the importance of preventative measures.
The study’s findings underscore that effective sun protection isn’t necessarily about spending more money, but about making informed choices and adopting a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes both sunscreen application and protective clothing. Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of sunscreen pricing on skin cancer rates and to develop strategies to improve sunscreen accessibility and affordability for all populations. The Skin Cancer Foundation provides resources on skin cancer prevention and early detection.
Maria L. Wei, MD, PhD, can be reached at [email protected].