The Sunscreen Manifesto: Seven World-Leading Scientists Set the Record Straight

This post summarizes and reflects our views on: Pissavini et al., 'A Manifesto for Informed Sun Protection Advice in Relation to Sunscreens,' International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026. DOI: 10.1111/ics.70068. 

In early 2026, a group of the world's leading sunscreen scientists - specialists in solar physics, photobiology, sunscreen chemistry, toxicology, and public health - published a Letter to the Editor in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science titled "A Manifesto for Informed Sun Protection Advice in Relation to Sunscreens." The authors include researchers from L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble, King's College London, Newcastle University, and the WHO Collaborative Centre for UV Radiation. These aren't influencers. These are among the top subject matter experts in the world. 
See the full letter here.

At Burnd, we agree with every word. Here's our take on what they say.

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Sun Protection Saves Lives. Full Stop.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world: 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed globally. The primary cause? Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The authors make clear that sunscreen products, when used correctly and as part of a broader sun-smart strategy, are clinically and epidemiologically proven to reduce skin cancer incidence and photoaging.

The manifesto is direct: “sunscreen products are not a threat, they are essential tools for human health.”

We built Burnd on that exact belief.

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The Misinformation Problem Is Real and Dangerous

Social media has created what the authors call "a tsunami of misinformation", viral posts that cherry-pick data, misrepresent science, or fabricate risks. The result? People who would genuinely benefit from sun protection are abandoning it.

The manifesto was written specifically to counter this with the authors clearly stating misinformation is doing damage to us all. When fear-based content discourages people from wearing sunscreen, the real-world consequence is increased UV exposure and increased cancer risk.

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What the Science Actually Says: Debunking the Big Myths

The paper addresses over a dozen specific misconceptions head-on. Here are some of the ones we hear most:

"Sunscreen blocks vitamin D."
Normal sunscreen usage does not cause vitamin D deficiency. 

"SPF 50 means I'm protected all day."
No. Sweat, water, and friction degrade protection. Duration of protection and SPF are two related but different things.  At burnd we know that the formulation is the main driver of how long a sunscreen lasts and it's why we pour our resources into product development, not fear-based marketing.

"Mineral filters are safer than chemical filters."
Both mineral (inorganic) and chemical (organic) UV filters reduce UV dose to the skin. Both have undergone rigorous regulatory review. Safety and efficacy depend on the total formulation, not just the filter category. The black and white "mineral = safe, chemical = toxic" narrative is not supported by the science. At burnd we literally invented the transparent mineral sunscreens but we use a combination of filters to maximize both protection and elegance to make sunscreen use an enjoyable experience not a chore. 

"Mineral sunscreens work by reflecting UV-like mirrors."
This one surprises even educated consumers. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide work primarily by absorbing UV, not reflecting it - similar to how organic filters work. They do scatter some visible light (which is why they, especially titanium dioxide, can leave a white cast), but their main UV protection mechanism is absorption, not reflection.

"UVB is only a summer issue."
No. Both UVA and UVB do vary seasonally, but neither disappears in winter. Both penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, sand, and concrete. Cloud cover does not eliminate UV risk during prolonged outdoor activity.

"A tan protects you."
Not so much. It provides minimal, inconsistent protection and is never a substitute for sunscreen.  Understand that a tan is your body’s response to DNA damage that has already occurred.  

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SPF Is Part of the Story - Not the Whole Story

The manifesto is emphatic that a high SPF label is not a green light to skip reapplication, skimp on application amount, or ignore UVA protection. Broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB is essential. How much you apply and how often you reapply matters as much as the number on the bottle.

This is something we care deeply about at burnd. Our formulations are engineered for real-world use, not just lab conditions, because protection that stays on as advertised is the only kind that actually works.  And, products that are pleasant to use are the only ones that will be consistently used.  

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Environmental Concerns Don't Justify Abandoning Protection

The authors address environmental impact directly: while the topic warrants ongoing research and innovation, there is currently no scientific consensus that sunscreens cause significant environmental harm. But there is overwhelming evidence that they prevent skin cancer. At burnd, we focus on the environment by making products designed not to come off in the water and promoting rational but not overuse of sunscreens.

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When Do You Actually Need Sunscreen?

The manifesto gives a clear, science-based answer: when the local UV Index is 3 or higher. Below that threshold, sunscreen is unnecessary for healthy individuals with normal sun responses. Above it, whether it's cloudy, winter or you're just running errands, exposed skin needs protection.

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The Bottom Line

The authors close with a statement we've printed out and put on our wall:

"The sun should not be feared but respected. Sunscreen products are not a threat. Rather, they are essential tools in furthering human health globally."

We couldn't agree more. That's why we make what we make, the way we make it.