What I Check Before Buying Sunscreen (Hint: It's Not the SPF)
Before You Buy Sunscreen, Flip the Bottle Over
What I Look for Before a Bottle of Sunscreen Ever Goes in My Shopping Cart
Have you ever stood in the sunscreen aisle and felt like every bottle was trying desperately to get your attention?
One promises SPF 50. Another promises "sport protection." A third claims to be reef safe, dermatologist recommended, water resistant, kid friendly, and practically qualified to run for public office.
By the time you've compared a handful of labels, they all start to blur together. What should have been a quick stop at Target suddenly turns into an unexpected research project.
Most people do what we've all done at some point. They look at the SPF number, toss a bottle into the cart, and move on with life.
And honestly, I understand why.
For years, the message around sunscreen has been fairly simple: wear it, reapply it, and make sure the SPF is high enough. That's good advice. Protecting your skin from excessive UV exposure is important. Sunburns are not a wellness strategy, and neither is pretending you'll remember to stay in the shade all day.
But when I shop for sunscreen, the SPF number is where I start—not where I stop.
Your Skin Is Your Largest Organ
One thing I think we sometimes forget is that our skin is the largest organ in the body.
It's an incredible protective barrier, but it isn't an impenetrable wall.
Think about it for a moment.
Nicotine patches help people stop smoking because medication passes through the skin. Hormone replacement patches deliver estrogen through the skin. Certain prescription pain medications are also designed to be absorbed this way.
If nothing could pass through our skin, those medications simply wouldn't work.
Does that mean everything you apply to your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream?
No.
Our skin is remarkably selective and does an excellent job protecting us from the outside world. But research has shown that some ingredients can penetrate the skin to varying degrees, depending on the ingredient, the formulation, and how it's used.
That's one of the reasons I believe it's worth paying attention to the products we use every single day.
Think about how often we use sunscreen.
We apply it generously before heading outside.
We reapply it every couple of hours.
We use it on ourselves.
We use it on our children and grandchildren.
We cover large areas of our bodies with it at the beach, by the pool, while gardening, hiking, walking, or cheering at a ball game.
When a product becomes part of my regular routine, I want to know a little more about what's in it.
That's why I almost immediately flip the bottle over.
The front of the package is marketing.
The back of the package is information.
That simple habit has guided many of my health decisions over the years, and sunscreen is no exception.
The First Thing I Look For
The very first thing I check is the active ingredient list.
This tells me what is actually providing protection from the sun.
Most sunscreens fall into one of two categories:
Mineral sunscreen
Chemical sunscreen
Both are designed to help reduce damage from ultraviolet rays, but they work differently.
Mineral Sunscreen
Whenever possible, I choose a mineral sunscreen.
These products use minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to help protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. They have been used for many years, have a long track record of effectiveness, and are the only two sunscreen active ingredients currently classified by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE).
I occasionally hear people ask about titanium dioxide, especially when they read about nanoparticles online. Based on the evidence we have today, titanium dioxide used in mineral sunscreens has a strong safety profile. Research suggests that few, if any, of these particles penetrate healthy, intact skin. It's also important to remember that an ingredient can behave very differently depending on how it's used. Concerns related to inhaling or ingesting a substance don't automatically apply to using it on healthy skin.
If sunscreen ingredients were employees, zinc oxide would be that dependable team member who quietly shows up every day, gets the job done, and never asks for recognition.
It isn't flashy.
It isn't trendy.
It simply works.
Seeing zinc oxide listed as an active ingredient immediately gets my attention.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens use different ingredients that absorb UV energy before it can damage the skin.
Many people use these products without any problems, but some of the ingredients have raised questions over the years regarding skin absorption and long-term safety.
That doesn't mean they're automatically dangerous.
It simply means I'd rather choose ingredients that have a longer history of use and fewer unanswered questions whenever I have the option.
For me, that's usually zinc oxide, although I also feel comfortable choosing products made with titanium dioxide.
Of course, seeing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on the label doesn't automatically mean the sunscreen comes home with me.
It just means I'm interested enough to keep reading.
Ingredients I Personally Try to Avoid
One of the biggest reasons I turn the bottle over is because I want to know what else is in the product besides the active ingredient.
Again, this isn't about fear.
It's about making informed choices.
I don't believe we need perfection.
But I do believe knowledge helps us make better decisions.
Here are a few ingredients that cause me to pause.
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter that has been shown to be absorbed through the skin. Some research has raised concerns about its potential effects on hormone activity, which is one reason I personally choose sunscreens without it whenever possible. It has also raised environmental concerns, particularly for coral reef ecosystems.
Octinoxate
Like oxybenzone, octinoxate is another chemical UV filter that has generated questions regarding hormone activity and environmental impact. While research continues, I generally prefer mineral-based alternatives.
Fragrance
When I see the word fragrance on a label, I usually pause.
Not because every fragrance is harmful.
But because the word itself doesn't tell me very much.
A single word like "fragrance" can represent a blend of many different ingredients that aren't individually disclosed on the label.
I simply prefer knowing what I'm putting on my skin.
For individuals with sensitive skin, fragrance may also increase the likelihood of irritation.
Retinyl Palmitate
One ingredient that surprises many people is retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A.
Some organizations, including the Environmental Working Group, recommend avoiding it in daytime sunscreens because of concerns about how it may behave on sun-exposed skin.
Again, my goal isn't fear.
It's awareness.
When I have a choice, I choose products with simpler ingredient lists and ingredients I understand.
What Those Sunscreen Labels Really Mean
Now that I've looked at the ingredients, there are a few more things I check before making a decision.
This is where a lot of the marketing language starts showing up, and it's easy to assume we all know what these terms mean.
The truth is, many of us don't.
Let's break down a few of the most common ones.
What Does SPF Really Mean?
One of the biggest misconceptions about SPF is that a higher number automatically means dramatically better protection.
It doesn't.
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays—the rays primarily responsible for causing sunburn. What many people don't realize is that SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, which contribute to premature skin aging and also play a role in the development of skin cancer.
Here's something that surprises many people:
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
SPF 100 blocks about 99%.
That's why I don't chase the highest SPF number on the shelf.
Instead, I look for an SPF between 30 and 50 and focus on applying enough sunscreen and reapplying it regularly. In the real world, that's far more important than buying SPF 100 and only applying it once.
Don't Forget About Broad-Spectrum Protection
One of the first things I look for after the SPF is the words Broad Spectrum.
Why?
Because Broad Spectrum means the sunscreen is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Think of it this way:
UVB Rays | UVA Rays |
Primarily cause sunburn | Penetrate deeper into the skin |
Strongest during summer months | Present year-round |
Contribute to skin cancer | Contribute to premature aging and also play a role in skin cancer |
When I choose a sunscreen, I want protection from both—not just the rays that leave me looking like a lobster after a day at the beach.
Water Resistant Doesn't Mean Waterproof
This is another label that can be confusing.
Many people assume water resistant means they can swim all afternoon without thinking about sunscreen again.
Unfortunately, that's not how it works.
The FDA only allows sunscreens to claim 40 minutes or 80 minutes of water resistance after standardized testing. There is no such thing as a truly waterproof sunscreen.
If you're swimming, sweating, or toweling off, it's time to reapply.
In my opinion, proper reapplication is one of the most overlooked parts of good sun protection.
Marketing Doesn't Always Tell the Whole Story
Remember when I said the front of the bottle is marketing and the back is information?
This is exactly what I mean.
Words like natural, gentle, clean, or hypoallergenic can sound reassuring, but many of these terms don't have standardized definitions for sunscreen products. They don't necessarily tell you anything about the active ingredients or whether the product is a good fit for you.
That's why I don't make my decision based on the front label.
I turn the bottle over and read the ingredients.
My 30-Second Sunscreen Shopping Checklist
If you're standing in the sunscreen aisle wondering what to choose, here's the quick checklist
I use.
✔ Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both.
✔ Broad-spectrum protection.
✔ SPF 30–50.
✔ Water resistant if I'll be swimming or sweating.
✔ No oxybenzone or octinoxate.
✔ No retinyl palmitate.
✔ Fragrance-free whenever possible, especially if you have sensitive skin.
✔ A sunscreen that feels good enough that I'll actually wear it consistently.
The best sunscreen isn't the one with the prettiest bottle.
It's the one you'll use correctly and consistently.
The Tools I Use When I'm Curious
Let's be honest.
Most of us don't have the time—or the desire—to spend an hour researching sunscreen ingredients while standing in aisle seven.
That's why I like using resources such as the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep® Database and the Think Dirty app.
When I come across a product I'm unfamiliar with, these tools give me a place to start. I can look up ingredients, compare products, and become a more informed consumer without turning sunscreen shopping into a full-time job.
Do I consider them the final authority?
No.
Science is always evolving.
But I do think they're helpful tools for asking better questions and making more informed decisions.
My Beach Bag Philosophy
I love spending time outdoors.
Whether I'm gardening, walking, or enjoying a day at the beach, sunscreen is only one part of how I protect my skin.
You'll usually find a few other essentials in my beach bag:
A wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Plenty of water
Shade whenever possible during the hottest part of the day
And a mineral sunscreen that I actually enjoy wearing
No sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun's rays, which is why I think of it as one layer of protection—not the entire strategy.
Choose Intentionally
One thing I never want people to take away from conversations like this is fear.
Fear is exhausting.
My goal isn't to convince you that every ingredient is harmful or that you need to spend an hour researching every personal care product you buy.
My goal is simply to help you become a more informed consumer.
Every day we make dozens of small decisions that influence our health.
Most of them aren't dramatic.
They're the quiet choices we make in the grocery store, the pharmacy, or standing in the sunscreen aisle before a day at the beach.
Those choices may seem small in the moment.
But over the course of a lifetime, they add up.
So the next time you're shopping for sunscreen, don't just look at the SPF.
Turn the bottle over.
Read the label.
Ask a few questions.
And as always…
Choose intentionally.
6 Common Sunscreen Mistakes (I've Made a Few of These Too!)
By now you probably know I'm a big believer that small, intentional choices can have a big impact on our health over time.
Choosing a better sunscreen is one of those choices.
But even the best sunscreen won't do its job if we aren't using it correctly.
Here are six of the biggest mistakes I see—and honestly, I've made a few of them myself.
1. Thinking a Higher SPF Means Better Protection
Many people automatically reach for the highest SPF they can find, assuming more is always better.
In reality, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The difference is surprisingly small. The bigger difference comes from applying enough sunscreen and reapplying it when needed.
Instead of chasing the biggest number on the shelf, focus on choosing a sunscreen you'll actually wear consistently.
2. Not Applying Enough Sunscreen
Most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen—roughly the amount that fits in a shot glass—to cover the entire body. The reality is that most people use much less than that, which means they aren't getting the SPF protection listed on the bottle.
Don't be afraid to apply it generously.
3. Missing the Easy-to-Forget Spots
We've all done it.
I've definitely burned the tops of my feet before.
I've also forgotten my ears.
And ladies...don't forget that little area along the side of your swimsuit where the fabric doesn't quite cover everything. That tiny strip of skin is easy to miss, and trust me, it's not a fun place to get sunburned.
Those experiences taught me that it's worth taking an extra few seconds before heading outside.
Before you head out, remember your:
Ears
Tops of your feet
Back of your neck
Hands
Any little areas around the edges of your swimsuit that may be exposed
Future you will be glad you did.
4. Forgetting to Reapply
One application in the morning isn't enough for a full day outside.
Swimming, sweating, toweling off, and even spending hours in the sun gradually remove sunscreen from your skin.
If you're spending the day outdoors, make reapplying part of your routine—not an afterthought.
5. Thinking Shade Means You're Fully Protected
I love a good beach umbrella.
But it isn't a force field.
Many people don't realize that UV rays can reflect off the sand, the water, and even nearby surfaces, reaching your skin while you're sitting comfortably in the shade.
An umbrella is a wonderful layer of protection—but it's only one layer.
I still wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, even when I'm planning to spend most of the day under an umbrella.
6. Forgetting There Are Other Ways to Protect Your Skin
If you're someone who absolutely hates the feeling of sunscreen, you're not out of options.
Today's UPF clothing has come a long way.
Personally, I love wearing a swim shirt when I'm snorkeling or know I'm going to be in the water for a long time.
It protects my shoulders, back, and arms, and I don't have to worry about sunscreen washing off every time I get back in the water.
For me, it's one of the easiest ways to stay protected while still enjoying the beach. Mine has become one of my favorite pieces of beach gear.
Remember, sun protection isn't just about sunscreen.
It's about using the right combination of tools—sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and shade—to keep your skin healthy.
One Last Thought
I don't expect anyone to throw away every personal care product in their home and start over tomorrow.
That's not realistic.
Instead, I encourage people to make one better choice each time they need to buy something new.
Maybe it's choosing a mineral sunscreen instead of a chemical one.
Maybe it's remembering to reapply before heading back out to the beach.
Maybe it's investing in a comfortable UPF swim shirt you'll actually enjoy wearing.
Those choices might seem small.
But over the course of a lifetime, they add up.
That's really what wellness is all about.
Not perfection.
Not fear.
Just making informed, intentional choices whenever you have the opportunity.
Because your health matters.
And as always...
Choose intentionally.
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