Rumor Patrol: Gisele Bundchen Never Called Sunscreen ‘Poison’
INF
Gisele Bündchen is firing back at published reports that quoted her as saying she refuses to wear sunscreen. While promoting her skincare line Sejaa in her native Brazil, the supermodel reportedly claimed of SPF products: “I cannot put this poison on my skin. I do not use anything synthetic.” Reports went on to quote her as saying that her alternative is simply avoiding going out at times in the day when the sun is strongest–advice that cancer experts quickly shot down as ineffective. But a rep for Bündchen says that a misunderstanding is to blame. “They misquoted her due to a language barrier,” the rep tells PEOPLE. “Gisele would never say not to use sunscreen because she has family members who have had skin cancer.” So what did Gisele intend to express? “She simply stated that her all natural skincare line does not include an SPF product,” the rep continued. “She followed that line of questions saying she tried to stay out of the sun when it is the strongest between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.” And yes, Gisele does use sunscreen–just not harsh formulations. “When using sunscreens she selects ones that are free of parabens, oxybenzone, PABA, and retinyl palmitate,” says the rep. “She buys her sunscreen at Whole Foods, so she can find ones that are free of harsh chemicals. She says, ‘Of course I put on sun block. I don’t want to look like a shrimp!’”–Charlotte Triggs
