EXCLUSIVE: Daily Star chats to two experts on whether suncream is actually ‘toxic’ after TOWIE star Sam Faiers claimed that she doesn’t put sunscreen on her children as ‘a lot” are “harmful’
TOWIE star Sam Faiers has been slammed after she admitted to not putting suncream on her young children after claiming it is “toxic.”
The reality star turned influencer, who has 2.5 million Instagram followers, recently took to her story to snap a photo of her youngest son, Edward, two, and shared that her entire family doesn’t put on sun protection lotion.
She said that her three young children, Paul Jr, nine, Rosie, six, and Edward, have built up a “really good tolerance to being in the sun” and claimed that “a lot” of suncream is “pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients.” The mum says she instead puts her young family in the shade if the sun “feels too harsh” and uses SPF swimwear.
Sam, 34, has now received plenty of backlash and criticism for posting about her choice not to apply suncream to children. In a now expired Instagram post, Sam responded, saying: “Wow, I’ve received so many kind and supportive messages from my sunscreen post. Thank you.
“I’d definitely recommend doing a little research into which tallow you’d like to use, there are lots of amazing options out there.”
“PS: Just sharing my experience and tips (not an expert).”
For those unsure whether suncream is toxic after reading Sam’s post, we’ve chatted with a couple of experts and have done our research to clarify whether suncream is as ‘harmful’ as the influencer mum says it is.
Chartered Chemist, Scientist and Founder of SOS Serum Skincare, Bruce Green, told us: “While I appreciate Sam Faiers’ emphasis on shade, sun avoidance during peak hours and protective clothing, it’s important to address the misinformation surrounding sunscreen that was shared in her statement.
“Claims that ‘a lot of sunscreens are actually pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients’ are not supported by current scientific consensus.
“Modern sunscreens, particularly those approved in the UK, EU, and US, go through rigorous safety testing.
“While some individuals may prefer mineral (zinc or titanium-based) sunscreens over chemical formulations, calling them ‘toxic’ spreads unnecessary fear.
“The vast majority of dermatologists consider regulated sunscreen ingredients safe and essential.”
The accredited chemist and scientist, with years of experience in the industry, echoes the official guidelines published on the NHS website, which are accessible to the public.
Children and babies have much more sensitive skin than adults, which is why the NHS and qualified health professionals ask adults to “take extra care to protect babies and children” – this includes wearing at least SPF30 suncream.
If adequate protection is not used, children and babies are more likely to develop skin cancer, says the NHS.
The NHS adds that: “Their [children and babies] skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life.”
Earlier in the summer, the UK online skincare retailer Face The Future issued their annual ‘365 Days of SPF’ report, with the mission to highlight the importance of “daily sun protection to prevent the development of skin cancer” and other sun-related skin effects.
Their 2025 survey found that there’s still a “shockingly high amount of the UK not applying SPF daily or most days.” This highlights the misconception that sunscreen is only needed on ‘really hot and sunny’ days.
The report found that “almost half of the UK (45%) do not apply SPF daily or most days, only 18% of the UK apply SPF to their hands daily/most days and only 12% of the UK apply SPF to their chest daily/most days.”
Clinic Lead at Face the Future, Kimberley Medd, told us: “Even well-intentioned comments can lead to real-world harm if they downplay established medical guidance.
“Enjoying the sun is part of a healthy lifestyle, but safely.
“That means wearing sunscreen, protective clothing and practising sensible sun habits. Skin cancer rates continue to rise and misinformation, even if anecdotal, can have long-lasting consequences.
“There is still work to be done in educating the UK’s attitude on SPF application.
“Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently however, there is still a challenge to change the UK’s SPF application to daily wear.
“It’s a myth that sunscreen is toxic, stemming from concerns about certain chemical filters (like oxybenzone), but extensive safety testing shows that regulated sunscreen ingredients are safe when used as directed.
“That said, some families prefer mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), especially for young kids or sensitive skin and that’s perfectly fine.”
Sam Faiers’ post has been criticised by qualified doctors and other social media users. In full, her post read: “So this is always a bit of a controversial one, but honestly, my whole family doesn’t actually wear sunscreen.
“Over the years, the kids have built up a really good tolerance to being in the sun.
“Of course if it’s really hot and the sun feels too harsh I’ll make sure we head into the shade… usually around lunchtime we’ll go in, have something to eat and just avoid those peak hours.
“I’m really careful about sunscreen in general, because a lot of them are actually pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients. If you do want to protect your kids, I think SPF swimwear is such a good and safer option.
“But also, don’t be afraid of the sun! Early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s not as strong, I love letting the kids run around and soak it up, it’s good for them.
“That said, I do always bring a Tallow Zinc SPF with me when I go away, just in case. And hats or caps are a must! Especially for us ladies because no one wants extra sun damage.”
Sam Faiers’ management were contacted for comment but declined.
For more information on sun safety and protection – especially in children – you can access the official NHS website, here
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
