Let’s be honest – sunscreen labels are confusing. SPF? Broad-spectrum? UVA protection? New research reveals what really helps people pick effective sunscreens – and it’s simpler than you think.
The Problem
SPF only measures UVB protection (the burn-causing rays).
UVA protection is equally vital (UVA rays are the ones ageing skin silently).
Current labels overwhelm with technical terms (PA++++, anyone?).
The Science-Backed Solution
After testing 2,238 people, scientists found:
Simple "UVA Pass/Fail" labels worked best alongside SPF.
Clear icons beat jargon – no more decoding stars or pluses.
Broad-spectrum protection is non-negotiable for healthy skin.
So, how do we cut through the confusion and choose right? Let’s break down what the research means for your next sunscreen purchase – and how to spot true broad-spectrum protection in seconds.
ULTRAVIOLET A RADIATION: TESTING AND LABELLING FOR SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS
J.F. Nash PhD, Paul R. Tanner BS, Paul J. Matts PhD
BACKGROUND
Sunscreen products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight, thereby reducing the amount of energy that reaches the skin. There are many factors that impact a sunscreen product's efficacy, including how it is tested and how the results are communicated to consumers. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) test, which measures prevention of UV-induced erythema, is the primary method used to evaluate sunscreen products.
OBJECTIVE
To examine current in vivo and in vitro methods for testing UVA protection and labelling, the science behind them, and how to best communicate accurate information to consumers. Additionally, it advocates for the use of sunscreen products that protect against the full solar spectrum, not just arbitrarily defined UVB or UVA regions."
METHOD
Existing in vivo and in vitro methods for assessing UVA protection were reviewed, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.
The effectiveness of different labelling schemes was also analyzed for communicating SPF and UVA protection to consumers.
The study includes a consumer labelling study to evaluate the effectiveness of three different labelling approaches for SPF and UVA protection.
RESULTS
A consumer study involving 2238 participants revealed that a simple "pass/fail" label for UVA protection, combined with SPF labelling, was the most effective in helping consumers select appropriate sunscreen products.
This labelling approach emphasized SPF as the primary indicator of protection while clearly communicating the presence or absence of broad-spectrum UVA protection.
CONCLUSION
A simple and clear "pass/fail" labelling system, combined with SPF, is the most effective way to communicate both UVB and UVA protection to consumers.
This method avoids confusion and emphasizes the importance of SPF, the primary factor in sunscreen selection.
Consumers should prioritize broad-spectrum protection, ensuring protection against both UVB and UVA radiation.
Click here to read the full study >
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