The Best Lightweight Chemical Sunscreens In Australia

My chemical romance.

We all know the importance of sun protection. Daily sunscreen application not only protects against sun damage and skin cancer caused by sun exposure but also serves an aesthetic purpose; protecting against premature ageing. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun triggers a higher rate of collagen breakdown, leading to sagging of the skin. Additionally, sun exposure causes pigmentation—like melasma and dark spots—in those with fair and dark skin alike.  

In the past, inelegant formulations have been a deterrent to regular sunscreen application, with sunscreens often clogging pores and contributing to breakouts, sitting greasily on the skin, pairing poorly with makeup, or leaving a dreaded white cast. However, times have changed, with the sunscreens of today providing protection while sitting well on the skin. 

Australian sunscreens are among the best in the world, with stringent requirements for what can be classed as sunscreen down under. In Australia, sunscreen is classified as a therapeutic good, with higher manufacturing requirements than anywhere else in the world. When selecting a sunscreen, opt for a ‘broad spectrum’ variety; this means it shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, offering thorough protection.

Typically far lighter than physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens work by penetrating the skin and work by absorbing the sun’s rays before they reach the dermis and damage the skin. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate to absorb UVA and UVB rays. However, a single chemical alone is typically not enough to protect your skin from both types of UV rays, with most broad spectrum sunscreens utilising compound formulas. Unlike physical iterations, chemical sunscreens need to be applied twenty minutes before sun exposure.

The best chemical sunscreens in Australia in 2025

These are the best elegantly formulated Australian chemical sunscreens on the market.

1. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+

Best Australian Chemical Sunscreens in 2022

Price: $52AUD

Designed to be hydrating yet non-greasy, the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ is a firm favourite. Straddling the line between sun care and skincare, this broad spectrum sunscreen contains vitamin C in the form of Kakadu plum, as well as dragosine plus, a peptide that shields the skin against UVA, UVB, and blue light. Formulated to have the consistency of a lightweight moisturiser, Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ is intended to sit well under makeup.

What we think: this is one of the most elegant formulas on the market. It’s the consistency of a lightweight moisturiser without being too thin or watery and its hydrating formula creates a good base for makeup, meaning you can skip the primer.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

2. Mecca Max Screen Saver SPF30

Price: $28AUD

The Mecca Max Screen Saver SPF30 offers an elegant formula at a budget-friendly price. Designed for all skin types, including blemish-prone skin, the lightweight sunscreen is enriched with goji berry and chamomile extracts, as well as vitamin E and aloe vera.

What we think: despite going relatively under the radar, the Mecca Max Screen Saver SPF30 is one of our favourite sunscreens on the market for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It sinks into the skin and has an invisible dry-touch finish which makes it ideal for those who don’t like the ‘feeling’ of sunscreen on the skin.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl triazone, octocrylene
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

3. Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+

Best Australian Chemical Sunscreens in 2022

Price: $52AUD

For those with drier skin, the Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ is the way to go. A sunscreen with the consistency of a watery serum, it provides a slight dewy glow while still drying down on the skin and sitting well under makeup. Queen Screen is accompanied by a faint rose scent and contains vitamins B5, C, E, and F plus for skincare benefits.

What we think: this serum formula has a beautiful (yet unobtrusive) rose scent and sinks into the skin quickly. Despite the dewy finish, we found it worked well on both oily and dry skin types.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: bemotrizinol, bisoctrizole, ethylhexyl salicylate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

4. We Are Feel Good Inc Good Morning SPF 50

Best Australian Chemical Sunscreens in 2022

Price: $34.95AUD

Formulated with skincare ingredients like tomato extract, carnosine, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and squalane, the We Are Feel Good Inc Good Morning SPF 50 is designed to hydrate and moisturise the skin while providing broad spectrum sun protection.

What we think: we found the formula of the We Are Feel Good Inc Good Morning SPF 50 similar to that of a facial lotion, with its consistency sitting somewhere between the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen and Queen Screen. It’s slightly tacky (likely due to the jojoba oil and squalane) and takes a little longer to rub into the skin than the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen and Mecca Max Screen Saver, however it doesn’t leave a white case behind. It has quite a dewy finish, so we’d recommend this one to those with dry skin.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

5. Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid

Price: $22.95AUD

A hydrating broad spectrum sunscreen, the Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid has a consistency slightly thicker than a serum. It is designed to sink into the skin with an invisible satin finish. It’s designed to be suitable for all skin types. The Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid is infused with algae extract which is intended to deepy hydrate the skin.

What we think: the Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a white cast. It doesn’t feel as elegant as serum sunscreens like Ultra Violette Queen Screen and Mecca Cosmetica Brightening Sun Serum, but we think it’s one of the best Australian chemical sunscreens at its price point.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate, octocrylene, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, bemotrizonol
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

Best Australian Chemical Sunscreens in 2022

Price: $37.95AUD

While technically a French sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a staple in Australia. Complying with our strict guidelines and sold in chemists and pharmacies around the country, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a fragrance-free formula designed with sensitive skin in mind. The formula is non-comedogenic, meaning doesn’t clog the pores or exacerbate acne. Providing broad spectrum protection, this matte formula is designed to sink into the skin easily without leaving a white cast behind.

What we think: this is a solid chemical sunscreen and one of the first elegantly formulated sunscreens on the market. Many years ago, this was the best sunscreen in Australia due to its lightweight consistency and lack of white cast (this was back in the day when Banana Boat and Neutrogena were pretty much the only viable contenders), however Australian brands have stepped up their game since then, meaning we don’t reach for La Roche-Posay Anthelios as much. That said, it’s still and good formula and if you get it overseas (i.e. in Europe) at its original price point, it’s a solid value sunscreen.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: ethylhexyl salicylate, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, ethylhexyl triazone, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, drometrizole trisiloxane, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

7. Naked Sundays SPF50 Clear Glow Radiant Serum

Price: $36.95AUD

Enriched with squalane, kakadu plum, and tomato extract, the Naked Sundays SPF50 Clear Glow Radiant Serum is a completely clear formula with a satin finish. The inclusion of hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients provided added protection against environmental stressors and help plump the skin as the sunscreen protects.

What we think: we love the clear formula (no anxiety as to whether it’ll dry down without a white cast!) and that it’s lightweight without being liquidy, which makes it easier (and less messy) to apply.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, homosalate, octocrylene, octyl salicylate
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

8. Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum

Price: $50AUD

For those who want a little more out of their sunscreen, the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum is an apt choice. Blending suncare with skincare, it contains 3% niacinamide to smoothen fine lines and improve skin texture while the SPF50+ protects.

What we think: we like how low maintenance the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum is. It has a thin yet creamy serum-like texture that blends into the skin easily and sits well under makeup. On super lazy days, we like to skip other skincare products and just apply this to clean skin.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: bemotrizinol, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl triazone, homosalate, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, octocrylene
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

9. AB Lab Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk

Price: $44AUD

Another skinscreen (skincare meets sunscreen) formula, the AB Lab Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk is a lightweight lotion-like formula that provides broad spectrum sun protection while working to brighten and even out skin tone with vitamin C and resveratrol.

What we think: a moisturising formula with a luminous dewy finish, it’s ideally suited to normal to dry skin types. It’s got a floral scent which is a welcome change from the typical ‘sunscreen’ smell, though might be irritating for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate, octyl salicylate, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, bemotrizinol, ethylhexyltriazone, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone?

10. Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+

Price: $72AUD

Designed to hydrate and nourish the skin while providing broad-spectrum sun protection, the Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ is formulated with five high protection sun filters. It also contains pro-vitamin B, silica, and vitamin E which are designed to moisturise the skin and impact a dewy finish.

What we think: good for skinmalists (that’s skin minimalists!), this formula does away with the need for an additional moisturiser. It feels exactly the same as a conventional lightweight moisturiser, with a slightly airy texture that makes it easy to apply. We like how it stays in place and doesn’t budge while sweating.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate, octocrylene, octyl salicylate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl triazone
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone?

11. Mecca To Save Face SPF50+

Price: $46AUD

A popular formula with beauty editors and lovers alike, the Mecca To Save Face SPF50+ is a lightweight sunscreen that leaves a matte finish behind. In addition to sun protection, the formula includes pycnogenol which provides antioxidant protection while sodium PCA and vitamin E hydrate and moisturise the skin.

What we think: we found the Mecca To Save Face SPF50+ sunscreen to be quickly absorbed without leaving behind a white cast. The texture and consistency is pretty similar to the Ultra Violette Supreme Skin, however we found that felt slightly more elegant on the skin. This is well suited to most skin types, however some users have reported breakouts after wearing it (this wasn’t the case for us though).

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: octocrylene, butyl methoxydibenzoylemethane, bemotrizinol, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

12. Dermalogica Clearing Defence SPF30

Price: $48AUD

A saving grace for those with oily, breakout-prone skin, the Dermalogica Clearing Defence SPF30 provides broad spectrum sun protection and mattifies the skin without causing breakouts. Tapioca helps absorb excess oil to prevent shine while willow bark extract aids in preventing and reducing acne.

What we think: we liked this for oily skin, however it is very mattifying so we wouldn’t recommend this to dry or mature skin types.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate, octocrylene, ethylhexyl salicylate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

13. Ella Baché Active Face Great SPF50+ Lotion

Price: $58AUD

Designed with those who workout or sweat in mind, the Ella Baché Active Face Great SPF50+ Lotion is a water-resistant sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection. Antioxidant-rich green tea and kakadu plum extracts provide protection against free radicals.

What we think: it’s hard to find elegantly formulated sunscreens that are also water- and sweat-resistant, so the Ella Baché Active Face Great SPF50+ Lotion is a favourite of ours.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: octyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl triazone, bemotrizinol
Water resistant: yes (for 4 hours)
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

14. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+

SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+

Price: $68AUD

An ultra-thin sunscreen with a dewy, satin finish, the SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+ works to nourish and hydrate the skin without clogging pores. Best suited to mature, dry, and normal skin types, it helps protect against premature ageing caused by sun exposure.

What we think: an ultra-lightweight sunscreen, the SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+ has an almost watery texture. It’s slightly messy to apply but is undetectable once rubbed in. The only thing we don’t like is how small the bottle is for the price.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: octyl methoxycinnamate, drometrizole trisiloxane, titanium dioxide, ecamsule, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, bemotrizinol
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

15. Alpha-H Dawn to Dusk SPF 50+ Serum

Price: $64.95AUD

Another sunscreen serum that boasts skincare benefits, the Alpha-H Dawn to Dusk SPF 50+ Serum combines broad spectrum sun protection with niacinamide, vitamin E, and aloe vera which work to support the skin barrier and soothe the skin.

What we think: another solid serum sunscreen, this is slightly thicker than the Ultra Violette Queen Screen, but still quickly absorbed and undetectable on the skin.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate, ethylhexyl salicylate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, ethylhexyl triazone, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid 
Water resistant: no
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

16. Airyday Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen

Price: $51AUD

A sunscreen that caters to all skin types, the Airyday Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen is a sheer formula infused with vegan collagen, niacinamide, and vitamins C, E, and F. It lives up to its name with a dewy golden finish and is scented with champagne and peonies; a far cry from the ‘sunscreeny’ scents of yesteryear.

What we think: this has the most beautiful scent of all the sunscreens on this list and the sheer golden tint is unmatched, giving off a luminescent glow that makes it look like you’re wearing makeup.

Editor’s note: since we first tried this Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen, Airyday has expanded the shade range of the formula to include Pearl Glow (slightly lighter) and Bronze Glow (slightly darker).

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate, octocrylene, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl salicylate  
Water resistant: yes (for 40 minutes)
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

17. Go-To Skincare Nifty Fifty SPF 50

Price: $49AUD

This hydrating sunscreen makes use of next-generation sunscreen filters to provide broad spectrum sun protection with a clear, invisible finish. The non-comedogenic formula works without clogging pores or stinging eyes, and doubles as a makeup primer.

What we think: the airy texture of this sunscreen makes it easy to apply, while the inclusion of hydrating ingredients makes it feel comfortable on the skin. It doesn’t move throughout the day or sting the eyes and sits well under makeup.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, ethylhexyl triazone, tris-biphenyl triazine, bemotrizinol
Water resistant: yes (for 40 minutes)
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

18. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Lotion SPF50+

Price: $18AUD (often on sale)

The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Lotion SPF50+ delivers sheer sun protection on a budget. The formula is designed to hydrate the skin for up to 12 hours without clogging pores and leave behind a silky, non-greasy finish.

What we think: this sunscreen is never mentioned in articles on the best Australian sunscreen. We kinda love that as it means it’s always in stock, but hey, we’re not going to gatekeep. This is the probably the most well formulated budget-friendly sunscreen on the market; it has a lightweight lotion texture and a pleasant (read: non-sunscreeny) smell. It’s absorbed into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave behind any residue (or a white cast). We also love that the formula comes in a 100mL size which is very good value for the price.

Type of sunscreen: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate, octocrylene, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, bemotrizinol
Water resistant: no (however the brand has water-resistant options)
Does it contain oxybenzone? No

Sunscreens that didn’t make the list

We tried over thirty sunscreens while selecting the best ones for this article. Not all of them made the cut. Here’s some we tried that didn’t meet our stringent requirements, along with why we didn’t include them:

  • Go-To Skincare Nifty Fifty Fluid ($35AUD): while we liked the hydrating version of Go-To Skincare’s Nifty Fifty sunscreen, this face fluid was very runny and messy to apply and we found it moved around the face, stung the eyes, and somehow ended up in our mouths (doesn’t taste great!) straight after application. However, it did not leave a white cast behind, which we appreciate.
  • Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF 50 Tinted Veil ($55AUD): this SPF50 skin tint never really dried down and slipped around the face throughout the day.
  • Skinstitut Age Defence SPF 50+: this was very thick, difficult to rub in, and left behind a white cast.
  • Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Nourishing Antiaging Oil SPF 50+ ($89AUD): while we liked how unique this clear formula is, we found the oil formula to have a slight grittiness and never really settle down into the skin.

How much sunscreen should I apply to my face?

It’s important to apply the right amount of sunscreen to ensure adequate protection against UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure, with a minimum of one teaspoon applied to the face, neck, and ears. 

It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after activities like swimming or sweating. Reapplying sunscreen over makeup can be made easier by using a sunscreen mist.

Sunscreen is just one factor of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats, and eyewear when in the sun. When using sunscreen, always read the label and follow the directions for use, and be sure to reapply frequently (every two hours or following activities such as swimming and sweating).

What is SPF?

SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measurement of the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVB rays (the ultraviolet rays that burn the skin) and the amount of time the sunscreen protects the skin from burning. 

Depending on your skin type and the UV index (this is influenced by your location, time of day, and time of the year), the time it takes for your skin to burn varies. The SPF rating of a sunscreen indicates how long a sunscreen will protect your skin (when applied correctly). The formula to judge how long a sunscreen will protect your skin is: SPF rating x burn time of bare skin. So, if it takes 10 minutes for your bare skin to burn, a SPF50 sunscreen will protect your skin for 500 minutes ([SPF] 50 x [bare skin burn time] 10 = 500).

What’s the difference between SPF30 and SPF50?

It’s often thought that sunscreens with SPF30 protect the skin twice as much as one with a SPF15, however this is not the case. In fact, the amount of UVB rays blocked out is almost negligible between SPF15, 30, and 50; it’s the time that protection is guaranteed that’s different.

SPF15 blocks out 93% of UVB rays for 15 times your burn time; SPF30 blocks out 97% percent of UVB rays for 30 times your burn time; and SPF50 blocks out 98% of UVB rays for 50 times your burn time.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

UVA and UVB rays are both forms of ultraviolet (UV) rays, however they differ in wavelength and the impact they have on the skin. To understand the difference between UVA and UVB rays, look at the last letter of each acronym. 

  • UVB refers to ‘ultraviolet B’: the B can be a stand in for ‘burning’, with these rays causing sunburn, redness, ageing, and skin cancer. These sun rays are shorter wavelength than UVA rays.
  • UVA refers to ‘ultraviolet A’: think of the A as ‘ageing’. UVA rays are longer wavelength than UVB rays, with more of them able to reach the earth’s surface. UVA rays are present even on cloudy days when the sun isn’t visible — essentially, if there’s daylight, there are UVA rays present. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, destroying skin elasticity and contributing to aesthetic issues such as dark spots and pigmentation.

What is a broad spectrum sunscreen?

As mentioned above, the SPF rating is indicative of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays (these are the ones that cause sunburn). A broad-spectrum sunscreen contains chemical filters that block out both UVA and UVB rays, working to prevent skin cancer as well as dark spots and signs of premature ageing.

It’s important to look for broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30. All the sunscreens on this list provide broad spectrum sun protection.

What makes Australian sunscreens so good?

Scan the comments of any Reddit thread or TikTok post on sunscreen and you’ll invariably read comments touting Australian sunscreens as the best in class. But what exactly makes Australian sunscreens so good? In Australia, sunscreen is classified as a therapeutic good, which means it’s regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The TGA classifies sunscreen products as either therapeutic or cosmetic — the ‘therapeutic’ category is what you look for to protect your skin from UV radiation and is divided into primary sunscreens (products that are primarily used for protection from UV radiation) and secondary sunscreens (products like moisturisers with an SPF above 15). Cosmetic sunscreens encompass products such as foundations and lip products with SPF 4 or higher and moisturisers with SPF 15 or lower.

The TGA requires all sunscreens sold in Australia to undergo independent testing to determine the sun protection factor (SPF), as well as to confirm whether they meet their broad spectrum and water resistant claims. The strict regulations surrounding this often result in sunscreen products from international brands required to downgrade their SPF rating in the Australian market (this is the case with Paula’s Choice and several ‘moisturiser with SPF’ products).

The Therapeutic Goods Administration does not list or register sunscreen products that black less than 75% of UV rays (this is the equivalent of SPF 4), with products not registered with the TGA not legally permitted to market itself as a sunscreen in Australia.

Australian sunscreens are among the best in the world due to their stringent regulations surrounding testing and the laws surrounding the marketing of sunscreens in the domestic market. Additionally, the past few years have seen large strides taken in terms of user experience, with Australian sunscreens not only offering superior protection but taking into account factors such as the feel on the skin and how it looks under makeup.

How to identify an Australian sunscreen?

Sunscreens that have been regulated for sale in the Australian market by the TGA can be found in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). These products will have an ‘AUST L’ registration number on the packaging of the sunscreen. Sunscreens that do not have this number have not been approved for sale in the Australian market (this applies to both local and international sunscreens).

Why you should trust Albert Review

Tanisha Angel is the editor of Albert Review, specialising in a wide range of lifestyle topics including skincare and beauty. For this article, she and the Albert Review team tested over thirty sunscreens, evaluating each formula based on its texture, feel on the skin, and finish. The sunscreens included on this list were selected for their ability to provide broad spectrum sun protection, as well as their comfortable feel on the skin and ability to be applied to dark skin without leaving a white cast. Sunscreens that felt thick or heavy and/or left a white cast behind a white cast were disqualified from inclusion.

FAQ

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measure of the length of time your skin is protected from UV radiation. An SPF15 sunscreen would protect you from UV radiation for 15 times as long as normal while an SPF30 sunscreen would protect you for 30 times as long, and so on. So, if your skin normally reddens or burns in 10 minutes, an SPF30 sunscreen would provide you with 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection.

What is the difference between SPF 30 and SPF50+?

While SPF50+ seems like it would offer substantially more protection than SPF30, the difference if marginal. SPF50+ sunscreens filter out 98% of UVB radiation while SPF30 filters out 96.7%. Both SPF30 and SPF50+ sunscreens need to be applied liberally and reapplied every 2 hours when directly exposed to the sun.

How much sunscreen should you apply?

To ensure adequate sun protection, you should apply 1tsp sunscreen to cover your face and neck.


Words by T. Angel