What is an Ideal Sunscreen SPF?

If you’re like me, did you grow up buying the highest SPF sunscreen you could find, thinking it would protect you better?

Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a difference between, say SPF 5 and SPF 45, but there are so many misconceptions out there about sunscreen efficacy. 

When you see a product boasting SPF 100 protection, you may think you need that product over an SPF 30 sunscreen, right?

So, what’s the difference and how misleading can this be? Let’s break it down and explain this marketing, too.

According to the EWG website, “higher SPF values have not been shown to provide greater clinical benefit than those with lower values and may provide users with a false sense of security.”

Crazy, right?

To help minimize confusion about high SPF sunscreen efficacy, in 2019 and in 2021 again, the FDA proposed limiting SPF claims to 60+ (originally they recommended a cap of 50+ back in 2011 but unfortunately that never got anywhere?!).

“The FDA has emphasized the need for this SPF upper limit, along with proposed changes to the broad-spectrum test, to ensure sunscreens provide more UVA protection. Based on the research that the FDA reviewed, there was no clear evidence that allowing higher SPF products will be beneficial to consumers.”

If you go to any store or website that sells sunscreen, you may see a wide range of SPFs. Sure, accessibility is great, but this marketing and confusion needs to be stopped.

Did you know that SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB radiation, SPF 50 blocks about 98%, and SPF 100 blocks about 99%? Minimal differences, so IMHO, prioritize ingredients and what kind of sunscreen you’re buying.

Look for safer and high performing, mineral sunscreens containing (non-nano) zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and be sure to apply it often. A few of my favorites to protect yourself in the sun are our Beautycounter Countersun line, Badger and Babo Botanicals.

Stay safe and have fun in the sun!