#BeSunSafe

#BeSunSafe is an award-winning skin cancer prevention program providing sunscreen, shade and awareness in Toronto. We are proud to join forces to save lives from skin cancer, Canada’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.

#BeSunSafe Sunscreen Dispensers

Since 2017, #BeSunSafe dispensers have been used over 1 million times dispensing more than 1,000 L of sunscreen. This summer, we are excited to activate dispensers in 75 waterfront park and High Park locations in Toronto.

Wear Sunscreen

  • Sunscreen provided in the #BeSunSafe dispensers is SPF 30, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), PABA-free, paraben free, scent-free and mineral-based
  • Ingredients (click to view)
  • Apply sunscreen every two hours
  • Reapply after swimming or sweating
  • No sunscreen provides 100% protection
  • Use sunscreen with other sun protection measures such as limiting time in the sun, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and a hat, and wearing sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen may be used on babies over six months
  • Do not use without checking with your doctor if you have ever had a reaction to sunscreen
  • More sunscreen info (click to learn more)

#BeSunSafe Tents

#BeSunSafe tents provide critical shade for Toronto's youth. Since 2020, we have donated 150 canopy tents to the City of Toronto's camp and park recreation programs.

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Ingredients

Natural SPF 30 Sunscreen

Active Ingredients
  • 6% Titanium Dioxide, 6% Zinc Oxide
Inactive Ingredients
  • Butyroospermum Parkii (shea butter) moisturizer
  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf (green tea)
  • Ethylhexylglycerin
  • Lecithin
  • Octyl Palmitate Emollient (palm oil)
  • Penoxythanol, Polysorbate-20
  • Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba)
  • Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E)
  • Xanthan Gum
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Six Things to Know About Sunscreen

  1. No sunscreen provides 100% protection
    • Use sunscreen with other sun protection measures such as limiting time in the sun, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and a hat, and wearing sunglasses.
  2. Sunscreen is safe to use
    • Health Canada regulates the safety, effectiveness, and quality of sunscreens in Canada. No published studies have shown that sunscreen is toxic to humans or hazardous to human health. Sunscreen may be used on babies over six months; avoid the mouth and eye areas.
  3. Apply sunscreen on skin that is not covered by clothes or a hat
    • Don’t forget your face, neck, ears, and the back of your hands and feet. Use sunscreen lip balm to protect your lips.
  4. Read the label and try it out
    • Choose a sunscreen that is labelled SPF 30 or higher, “broad spectrum” (UVA and UVB protection), and “water resistant”. Use a sunscreen that you like and find easy to use.
  5. Remember to use sunscreen
    • Use sunscreen when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest, such as when the UV Index is 3 or higher, usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Apply sunscreen before other skin products. Re-apply sunscreen regularly, especially after sweating, swimming, or towelling.
  6. Are you wearing enough sunscreen?
    • Most adults need 2 to 3 tablespoons of sunscreen to cover their body; 1 teaspoon of sunscreen to cover their face and neck.

Things to Avoid

  • Getting a tan or a sunburn.
  • Exposing yourself to UV rays to meet vitamin D needs.
  • Use food or supplements instead.

For more information visit: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/cancer-prevention-and-screening/

Protect Your Skin

Time of Day

If you can, limit time in the sun when the UV (ultraviolet) index is 3 or higher, usually between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shade

Seek shade or make shade by using an umbrella, a UV protective tent or pop-up shade shelter. Keep babies younger than 1 year of age out of direct sunlight.

Cover Up

Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible or UV-protective clothing. Wear a wide brimmed hat or baseball cap with flaps that cover the head, neck and ears.

Sunscreen

Apply plenty of sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, labelled "broad spectrum" and "water resistant". Reapply when needed (especially after swimming, sweating, or towelling). Use a sunscreen lip balm. Sunscreen may be used on babies over six months of age; avoid the mouth and eye areas. Read more about sunscreen.

Sunglasses

Wear close fitting/wrap-around sunglasses with UV 400 or 100% UV protection. Children's and babies' sunglasses should be unbreakable.

Things to Avoid

  • Getting a tan or sunburn
  • Exposing yourself to UV rays to meet vitamin D needs. Use food or supplements instead

Get the Facts

News

  • There will be free sunscreen dispensers at these Toronto parks this summer read more >
  • City of Toronto and melanoma prevention charities bring #BeSunSafe free sunscreen back to select Toronto parks read more >
  • Summer arrives in Canada and so does extreme heat. How to stay safe read more >
  • Staying safe in the sun watch >
  • Everywhere you can get free sunscreen this summer read more >
  • Get free sunscreen this summer at Toronto parks read more >
  • Free sunscreen program returns to select City of Toronto parks in collaboration with melanoma charities and Shoppers Drug Mart  read more >
  • 2,500 kids begin summer day camp watch >
  • Everywhere you can get free sunscreen this summer read more >
  • 5 tips to stay safe at Toronto beaches this summer read more >
  • Toronto parks are getting more sunscreen dispensers read more >
  • More Toronto parks to get free sunscreen dispensers read more >
  • Program that puts free sunscreen in Toronto parks expanding this summer read more >
  • Toronto offering free sunscreen at select city parks this summer read more >
  • Free sunscreen available in many parks this summer courtesy of melanoma charities working with City of Toronto read more >
  • Soak up the sun with free sunscreen stations watch >
  • Free sunscreen in city parks this summer listen >
  • Free sunscreen to come to Toronto waterfront parks this summer read more >
  • City of Toronto and melanoma foundations expand free sunscreen program in select waterfront parks read more >
  • Young men who died of melanoma remembered with free sunscreen project in city parks read more >
  • Free sunscreen dispensers arrive in Toronto read more >
  • Toronto offering free sunscreen at five city parks read more >
  • Free sunscreen now available for Toronto park goers read more >
  • Some parks in Toronto now have free sunscreen read more >