Buying sunscreens without first checking our sunscreen Ratings could leave you red in the face—and elsewhere on your body, too. Here's what you need to know before you buy any sunscreen.
Don't rely on the claimed SPF. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number you see on a sunscreen indicates how well it protects against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which can cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. But our latest tests found that several products did not measure up to their SPF claim. That's why you should try to stick with one of the six recommended sunscreens in our Ratings.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 40 or higher. If you can't find one of our recommended sunscreens, buy one that has a claimed SPF of at least 40. We used to say that there was no reason to choose a product with an SPF over 30, but given the performance of many in this year's batch, a claim of 40 now makes more sense. In addition, make sure that the sunscreen is water resistant and claims broad-spectrum protection. That indicates the sunscreen protects against not just UVB radiation but also ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, the kind that causes tanning and skin aging as well as contributes to skin cancer.
Be careful with spray sunscreens. It's still uncertain whether inhaling spray sunscreen poses any risks. But as a precaution, our experts recommend avoiding spray sunscreens on children, at least until the Food and Drug Administration releases results of an ongoing study looking into the safety of the products. If you're applying a spray sunscreen on yourself, put it on your hands first, then rub it on your face. In addition, since some sprays are flammable, let the sunscreen dry on your skin before you go near an open flame.
Finally, if you're wondering why you can't find a sunscreen labeled "waterproof" or "sweatproof," it's because the FDA no longer allows manufacturers to make either claim. Look for products marked "water resistant" followed by 40 or 80 minutes, which is the amount of time that it claims to provide resistance.