Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Who is defining the word "sunscreen" so narrowly to these compounds?

All you are doing is listing modern formulations, some of which are not even generally regarded as safe anymore.




Point being that ancients did not use sunscreen or anything remotely close to the formulae we have today - what we have today was roughly defined 100 years ago and has some serious consequential effects on the endocrine system and more.


> Point being that ancients did not use sunscreen

The statement being made by others is that "ancients" applied a topical substance to protect their skin from harmful effects of the sun, most would call that sunscreen[0] but use whatever word you prefer.

> anything remotely close to the formulae we have today

No one is making this claim.

[0] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sunscree...


The statement was about skin cancer, and the implication is that they did nothing about it.

Sunscreen is a 20th century term, and modern sunscreen as we know it came into use in the mid-20th century.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: