How to read your sunscreen label? A Quick Guide

How to read the label of your sunscreen

Looking to find your best sunscreen? The best way is to start with the label! Understanding what’s on it can help you pick a sunscreen that truly works for your skin type and lifestyle.

Sunscreen isn’t just another skincare product—it’s the most important one!

If you have got the right sunscreen, you have already taken care of 50% of your skincare routine.

So, let’s break it down! Here are the top 10 features to look for on a sunscreen label to find your best sunscreen.

1. UVB Protection – Check the SPF Number

The easiest way to spot UVB protection on your sunscreen label is by looking at the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number.

For Indian skin types, an SPF of 30 or higher is ideal to shield your skin from UVB induced damage, including sunburn. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider SPF 50 for extra protection!

A higher SPF means you are better protected over the day, but still that doesn't give you 100% protection.

2. UVA Protection – Look for the PA Rating

To ensure your sunscreen protects against UVA rays, check the label for:

  • ‘UVA’ symbol (a circle around the letters UVA)

  • PA rating (indicated by ‘PA+’ symbols)

The more ‘+’ symbols, the better the UVA protection. For Indian skin, a minimum of PA++++ is recommended to effectively protect against tanning, pigmentation, and premature aging.

3. Critical Wavelength – To Ensure Broad Spectrum Sun Protection

For complete sun protection, look for ‘Critical Wavelength/CW’ on the sunscreen label. This measures how well the sunscreen protects against both UVA & UVB rays.

A critical wavelength of 370nm or higher means the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, effectively shielding your skin from sunburn, tanning, and premature aging.

For Indian skin, choosing a sunscreen with a critical wavelength of 370nm or above ensures better defense against pigmentation and long-term sun damage.

4. Check for Durability

If you are outdoors, playing sports, or just need a sunscreen that lasts, look for the ‘water-resistant’ or ‘sweat-resistant’ feature on the label. This tells you how long the sunscreen will stay effective on your skin, even when you sweat or get wet.

Why is water resistance important?

  • Reduces the need for frequent reapplication, thereby saving time & reducing product load on the skin & environment.

  • Ensures protection during sports, swimming, or humid weather

Check out the SAFESCREEN range of sunscreens, one of the best water-resistant sunscreens in India, offering up to 8 hours of water resistance—perfect for active lifestyles!

5. Choose a Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen – To Prevent Acne

Your sunscreen should protect your skin, not cause breakouts! If you have acne prone skin, you should look for the ‘Non-Comedogenic’ term on your sunscreen label.

It means the sunscreen has been formulated with ingredients that are less likely to clog pores or trigger breakouts in most people.

For acne-prone or oily skin, choosing a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen helps keep your skin clear while providing adequate sun protection.

6. Check the UV Filters – Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreens

Now, let’s take a closer look at the UV filters in your sunscreen. The type of UV filter determines how safe your sunscreen is for your skin and the planet.

Mineral Sunscreens – Contain only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as UV filters in the ingredients list.

Chemical Sunscreens – Contain UV filters like Octocrylene, Octinoxate, Avobenzone/BMDM, Bisoctrizole, Bemotrizinol, and more.

Not sure if your sunscreen is safe? You can use the ingredient scanner to check if the UV filters in your sunscreen are safe for you and the environment.

7. Choosing a Pregnancy-Safe & Nursing-Safe Sunscreen

If you are pregnant or nursing, your sunscreen should be safe for both you and your baby. To ensure this, look for specific terms on the packaging, such as:

For the best pregnancy safe & nursing safe sunscreen, mineral UV filters are the safest choice. Among these, non-nano grade zinc oxide is preferred, as it sits on the skin surface without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

8. Eco-Friendly Sunscreens – To Protect The Planet 

If you are eco-conscious, take your sunscreen search a step further by looking for features that minimize environmental impact.

  • Non-Nano Mineral Filters – Even if you are using a mineral sunscreen, check if it’s non-nano. Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to be absorbed by marine life, making them a safer choice for our oceans.

  • Long-Wear or Durable Sunscreens – The less frequently you need to reapply, the lower the product load on the environment. Long-lasting formulas help reduce waste while still providing optimal protection.

So, look for terms like ‘reef-safe’, ‘high natural content’ in the label and sustainable packaging to make an even bigger impact!

9. Antioxidants – Supercharge Your Sunscreen for Extra Protection!

By adding antioxidants, sunscreens can extend their coverage beyond UV rays to infrared (IR) and visible light, including blue light from screens.

Why are antioxidants important in your sunscreen?

  • Help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure

  • Offer protection against IR and visible light

  • Enhance antiaging and antipigmentation benefits

For Indian skin, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with antioxidants like Pycnogenol, Silymarin, Astaxanthin, Polypodium is the best choice to shield your skin from high UV, IR, and lifestyle-related exposure from gadgets.

10. Expiry Date & Proper Usage! 

Before you buy or apply sunscreen, always check the basics—because even the best sunscreen in the world can’t protect you if it’s not used correctly!

  • Check the Expiry Date – Sunscreen ingredients break down over time, making them less effective. An expired sunscreen won’t give you the protection you need.

  • Follow the Usage Instructions – Some sunscreens need to be shaken before use, while others have specific application and reapplication guidelines.

  • Consistency is Key! – Sunscreens work only if used regularly, properly, and consistently. Apply the right amount, and don’t forget to reapply as needed!

Knowing how to read your sunscreen label saves time and makes choosing the right sunscreen easy. With SAFESCREEN from CHOSEN, picking the right sunscreen is easy and stress-free. No more confusion—just peace of mind knowing your skin is protected every day!

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