Does Sunscreen Cause Vitamin D Deficiency?What Studies Show
SkinArticleEarlier lower-SPF studies and newer SPF50+ research need to be read together. Here is how the evidence developed.
In this article
The older studies below tested different sunscreen routines from the newer SPF50+ trial. Read the findings with their dates and SPF levels attached.
Lab tests versus everyday use
A 2019 review gathered 76 studies: 4 lab experiments, 3 outdoor trials and 69 observational studies.1
| Type of study | What it found |
|---|---|
| Lab experiments with artificial UV lamps | Sunscreen greatly reduced vitamin D production1 |
| Randomized outdoor trials | No effect of daily sunscreen on vitamin D1 |
| Observational studies | Mostly no link, or sunscreen users had higher vitamin D1 |
The authors concluded there’s little evidence that sunscreen lowers vitamin D in everyday use, and that vitamin D worries shouldn’t override skin cancer prevention.1
At the time of the 2019 review, the outdoor trials used about SPF 16, and high-SPF trial evidence was unavailable.1
The holiday test
In a study on a sunny week-long holiday in Tenerife, volunteers used SPF 15 sunscreen with instructions on applying it correctly.2
- Correct sunscreen use prevented sunburn; people using sunscreen as they pleased got burned.2
- Vitamin D levels still rose significantly in the sunscreen groups.2
The newer high-SPF trial
A later trial tested SPF50+.3 Read our Sun-D analysis for the blood-test findings and limits.
What this means for you
- Keep sun protection in the plan. Cancer Council Australia4 continued to recommend it after the newer trial.4
- Discuss vitamin-D concerns with your clinician, including whether testing or supplementation fits your circumstances.4
See also choosing and using sunscreen and sunscreen pills.
Try: “I wear SPF every day. Should I worry about my vitamin D, or get it checked?”
Skin, Head to Toe puts daily sunscreen on every Shelf in Chapter 5, “Oily by Noon, Tight by Bedtime,” in a section called “Your Shelf.” Its Skin Log helps you test one product at a time, so you know what each one is doing. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Ask your doctor about a vitamin D test or supplement if you have darker skin, cover most of your skin, are housebound, have bone thinning, or have a condition that affects absorption. See a dermatologist for a new or changing mole. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- British Journal of Dermatology, 2019 review (abstract via PubMed), 2019The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review (opens in a new tab)abcdef
- British Journal of Dermatology, 2019 holiday study (abstract via PubMed), 2019Optimal sunscreen use, during a sun holiday with a very high ultraviolet index, allows vitamin D synthesis without sunburn (opens in a new tab)abc
- Sun-D research team, 2025Sun-D Trial: original study abstract (opens in a new tab)↩
- Cancer Council Australia, 2025New research on Vitamin D and sunscreen empowers Australians to be sun safe (opens in a new tab)abc
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll check it.
