How to read sunscreen labels
To reduce your risk of skin cancer, it’s important to wear sunscreen every day. You read that right: Every. Day. (Not just when you plan to be in the sun!) But how do you know which sunscreen to choose, and what do the different terms on the label mean? We’re breaking down sunscreen terms so you can make the best choice for you.
Here are some common terms you may come across on sunscreen labels and what they mean:
SPF
SPF stands for sun protection factor, which measures how well sunscreen filters out ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are what damage your skin cells and potentially cause cancer. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn. While all sunscreens create a protective barrier between your skin and UV rays from the sun, sunscreens with lower SPFs provide less protection against UV rays. You should always use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin.
Pro tip: SPF measures how much UV radiation is blocked, not how much time you can spend in the sun without getting sunburned. Regardless of the number of SPF you use, make sure to reapply every two hours!
UVA, UVB and broad spectrum
UVA and UVB rays are types of ultraviolet rays. “Broad spectrum” means your sunscreen protects against both types of UV rays, and it’s what you should look for in your sunscreen. While UVB rays primarily cause sunburn, UVA rays may also damage your skin’s DNA (and cause wrinkles!) According to the American Academy of Dermatology, overexposure to either type of UV rays can cause skin cancer.
Chemical sunscreen vs. mineral/physical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreen is absorbed by your skin and changes the chemical structure of UV rays before they cause damage. The other type of sunscreen you see on the shelves may be called “mineral” or “physical.” sunscreen. Both terms refer to sunscreen that sits on top of your skin, creating a barrier that blocks and scatters the rays before they can penetrate your skin.
Both chemical and mineral sunscreens contain chemicals. Mineral or physical sunscreens have a “white cast” or residue that tends to be visible on your skin when applied. While chemical sunscreens rub into your skin more easily, they need to be reapplied more often than mineral ones.
Water resistant or sweat resistant
If you’re planning on exercising outdoors or swimming, try a water-resistant sunscreen so it stays on better.
Pro tip: Reapply after swimming or exercising, even if it hasn’t been two hours and even if you are using a water-resistant sunscreen!
Expiration date
Did you know that sunscreen expires? Expired sunscreen will not protect your skin as well against UV rays. Check the expiration dates on the sunscreen you already have at home and replace any expired bottles.
Organic
Some sunscreens may include the term “organic,” although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t have an official definition for this term for sunscreen or personal care products. But sunscreen products may be able to use the term “organic” as regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), if the product contains at least 95% of organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt) and the remaining product ingredients consist of nonagricultural substances on the National List. Learn more about the USDA’s National Organic Program rules for cosmetics, body care and personal care products.
Whether a sunscreen is labeled “organic” or not has no impact on the product’s effectiveness in protecting your skin from the sun or reducing your skin cancer risk.
“Dermatologist recommended” or “for babies”
If you see one of these terms on your sunscreen bottle, it means that it’s a good option for people with sensitive skin. And, no, you don’t have to be a baby to wear sunscreen that says it’s for babies. The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend against using sunscreen for babies under six months old to reduce the risk of rashes and allergic reactions. Instead, you should keep your baby out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., seek shade when outside, and dress them in protective clothing.
Reef-friendly
Sunscreens that are reef-friendly are typically mineral sunscreens (see above!) made without ingredients that are suspected to harm coral reefs. This term has nothing to do with how protective the sunscreen is or how it affects your body.
Vegan or cruelty-free
Vegan means that there are no animal products in the sunscreen. Other sunscreens might contain collagen from animal bones or skin, beeswax, lanolin from sheep wool, chitlin from fish or other animal products. If that bothers you, look for sunscreens marked “vegan.” Similarly, “cruelty-free” means the product wasn’t tested on animals. “Cruelty-free” and “not tested by animals” are terms that do not have legal definitions, nor are they recognized by the FDA.
Bookmark this page so you can return to it the next time you’re shopping for sunscreen. This is important! Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the U.S., and protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays with sunscreen is one of the best ways to prevent it.
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