As of 2021, only Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are recognised as safe and effective (GRASE) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as currently there is insufficient safety data to support petrochemicals being safe, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone. "A survey of 1000 Australians from 18 to over 76 years old, commissioned by Cancer Council, found that nearly half of respondents believed that sunscreen contained chemicals that were bad for you and could even cause cancer."
Many petrochemical based sunscreen ingredients have already been banned over safety concerns (petrochemicals such as PABA).
There is a risk of an allergic reaction to sunscreen for some individuals, as "Typical allergic contact dermatitis may occur in individuals allergic to any of the ingredients that are found in sunscreen products or cosmetic preparations that have a sunscreen component. The rash can occur anywhere on the body where the substance has been applied and sometimes may spread to unexpected sites."
