AUSTRALIA used to have an enviable reputation for sun safety education.
However, it now seems misinformation has turned the tide for many, particularly on social media, with rumours that sunscreen is 'toxic' or causes cancer.
This puts people off buying and using them.
Chemistry Professor Oliver Jones of RMIT has set out to debunk some common sunscreen myths.
"Too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is responsible for most skin cancers in Australia," said Professor Jones.
"Wearing sunscreen is one of the ways to protect ourselves from UV rays.
"These products are rigorously tested for both safety and effectiveness and are proven to reduce the risk of skin cancer."
One of the more concerning claims and misinformation around sunscreen is that it causes cancer.
"There is no evidence to support this," said Professor Jones, adding that there is, however, plenty of evidence that UV light does.
"There are also unfounded claims that synthetic ingredients in chemical sunscreens may act as endocrinedisruptors and interact with the body's hormones," Prof Jones said.
"However, this is unlikely because the amounts in sunscreen are far too low to have an effect."
As for whether chemical or mineral sunscreens are better, Prof Jones said both work in the same way: by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat, with only a small amount of UV light reflected.
"The right sunscreen for you is the one you have and prefer to use," he concluded.
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