Some Skincare Products That Cause Sun Sensitivity

Sun sensitivity is a common but serious side effect that can occur when skin is exposed to sunlight. The condition is associated with hundreds of medications, including many skincare products.

1. Retinoids
• Examples: Retinol, tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene2
• Uses: Acne, wrinkles, sun damage, psoriasis2
• Sun sensitivity: Retinoids thin the skin, making it easier for the sun’s rays to cause sunburns and other skin damage.3
• Other side effects: “Retinoid dermatitis,” dry eyes, congenital disabilities, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness24

2. Antibiotics
• Examples: Tetracycline and doxycycline5
• Uses: Acne
• Sun sensitivity: Exposure to the sun while taking these antibiotics by mouth commonly causes a sunburn-like rash or changes in skin color. Being in the sun while on tetracycline antibiotics can also cause skin reactions, including burning, tingling, swelling, hives, and nail separation from the nail bed.5
• Other side effects: Stomach upset6

3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
• Examples: Glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and lactic acid7
• Uses: Skin peels, wrinkles, acne, scarring, age spots, uneven skin color7
• Sun sensitivity: At high concentrations like those used for skin peeling (typically 20 to 70%), AHAs enhance damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.7
• Other side effects: Redness, burning, itching, and swelling7

4. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
• Examples: Salicylic acid, beta-hydroxybutanoic
• acid8
• Uses: Acne, skin peels, wrinkles8
• Sun sensitivity: Like alpha hydroxy acids, these chemicals make the skin more sensitive to the sun and more likely to sunburn.8
• Other side effects: Skin dryness, redness, peeling9

5. Essential Oils
• Examples: Citrus essential oils, including bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit10
• Uses: Skin cleansing, wound healing, insect repellent11
• Sun sensitivity: Distilled oils typically don’t cause sun sensitivity, but expressed oils can.11 Expressed citrus essential oils can damage or burn the skin if exposed to sunlight within 12 hours of applying the oil.12

6. Benzoyl Peroxide
• Uses: Acne13
• Sun sensitivity: Benzoyl peroxide breaks down when exposed to the sun, causing skin irritation and allergic reactions.13
• Other side effects: Redness, stinging, swelling13

What Is Sun Sensitivity?
Sun sensitivity (also called photosensitivity) is a common side effect of many medications and skincare products that can occur if the skin is exposed to UV rays.15
Topical (applied to the skin) and oral (taken by mouth) medications can cause sun sensitivity.15

Some types of sun sensitivity reactions are dose-dependent, which means they are more likely to occur when products are used at higher dosages or concentrations.15

Symptoms can appear a few hours or even days after sun exposure and are often similar to symptoms of a sunburn.15 These can include:5
• Redness
• Swelling
• Burning
• Blisters
• Peeling skin
• Oozing pus
• Skin darkening