Sunscreens

Why it’s important to wear sunscreen

Slopping on sunscreen can help protect you from the harsh summer sun. The sun exposes you to two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays – UVA and UVB.

There’s a handy way to remember the difference between UVA and UVB.

• ‘A’ is for ageing – this is the type of UV light the sun emits that penetrates deepest through the dermal layer and causes premature skin ageing, such as wrinkles and spots. UVA rays are dangerous because there’s no immediate sign of burning like UVB rays.

• ‘B’ is for burning – It harms the top layer of your skin in a shorter amount of time than UVA rays.

Both types can cause skin cancer.

To provide good protection, sunscreen must be applied properly.

• Apply plenty – adults need about 7 to 9 teaspoons of sunscreen for a full-body application. That’s about 2 teaspoons for each leg and 1 teaspoon for each arm, your back, your front and your face (which includes your neck and ears).

• Apply early – sunscreen needs to be absorbed into the skin before you’re protected. Apply at least 20 minutes before going outside.

• Reapply often – reapply sunscreen every 2 hours (at least) that you’re outside. Also reapply after swimming, mopping up sweat or towelling dry.

What to consider when buying sunscreen

Sun protection factor (SPF)

SPF is a measure of protection against mainly UVB rays that cause sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection, with products ranging up to 50+. For example, an SPF15 sunscreen that’s properly applied should give you 15 times the protection you’d get with unprotected skin, while SPF30 gives you 30 times the protection. But these times will vary from person to person, depending on skin type, activities (such as outdoor exercise including swimming) and how well sunscreen is applied.

No sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB rays, but higher SPF sunscreens, properly applied, will block greater amounts of UVB:

• SPF15 blocks 93%

• SPF30 blocks 97%

• SPF50 blocks 98%.

Broad-spectrum protection

Make sure your sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, which protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Water resistance

Water-resistant sunscreen has been tested to ensure it keeps you protected in the water. Sunscreens can claim to be water-resistant for anywhere from 40 minutes to 4 hours.

Ingredients

Sunscreen active ingredients can be divided into mineral ingredients (sometimes called physical or natural ingredients) and chemical ingredients.

• Mineral ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) were previously thought to reflect or scatter UV radiation. Studies have since shown that they protect by primarily absorbing UV radiation. They are effective at protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation. A downside is that they leave white marks on the skin, although some products use nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are tiny molecules with dimensions that are less than 100 nanometres (nm), making the sunscreen transparent.

• Chemical ingredients (such as octinoxate or oxybenzone) contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that work by absorbing UV radiation. Chemical ingredients absorb either UVA, UVB, or both, so are often combined in sunscreens.

Our frequently asked questions have more information about the safety of sunscreen ingredients and environmental concerns.

Sunscreens for kids

Sunscreens specially formulated for children have a mild base for sensitive skin. But there’s no reason why kids shouldn’t use the family sunscreen if it doesn’t irritate their skin. Test a small amount on the inside of a child’s forearm for a few days to check if their skin reacts.

Babies younger than six months shouldn’t have sunscreen applied unless shade and clothing won’t protect them enough. Infants have a thin, less-developed skin barrier and are more likely to be irritated by the ingredients.

The New Zealand Dermatological Society Inc (NZDSI) recommends infants use mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens don’t irritate and provide excellent broad-spectrum protection.

Mineral sunscreens aren’t always labelled as children’s sunscreens, but you can be comfortable using whatever brand you prefer, whether it’s labelled for babies or children or not.

Keep babies and toddlers out of the sun as much as possible. The best protection for them is staying in the shade and using sun-protection clothing – as it is for everybody.

Why sunscreen regulation matters

After many years of Consumer NZ campaigning for sunscreens to be regulated, the Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act came into law in September 2022. Under the law, sunscreens must meet the Australian and New Zealand sunscreen standard (AS/NZS 2604:2012). The Fair Trading Act 1986 is used to enforce the regulations. Companies that breach the requirements may face fines of up to $600,000.

All sunscreens now sold in New Zealand must be independently tested. They also have labelling requirements: sunscreens can’t claim an SPF greater than 50+, there are restrictions on water resistance claims, and they must have clear application instructions.

But we don’t believe complying with the standard is enough. We think regular sunscreen testing is essential, so you can trust SPF labelling and protect yourself against New Zealand’s harsh sun. In June 2025, Consumer NZ wrote to the Commerce Commission with concerns based on the Australian consumer group Choice’s test of sunscreens. The test found 11 sunscreens sold in New Zealand didn’t meet the SPF claims on their labels.

We are also concerned that there’s no requirement for testing laboratories to be monitored for consistency of results. In Australia, concerns have been raised about the SPF results obtained by sunscreen testing laboratory Princeton Consumer Research (PCR).

Consumer NZ’s database can help you find a sunscreen you can trust. Our database has information about more than 160 sunscreens including when and where each sunscreen was last tested.

Frequently asked questions

What difference does the SPF make?

'SPF’ stands for ‘sun protection factor’. It's a measure of protection against mainly UVB rays; the ones that cause sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection; up to 50+.

Above SPF 50+ the additional protection is very small. In fact, high SPF values are a problem. Studies have shown that people use them to stay out longer in the sun, treating sunburn as their warning that it’s time to take cover. During this time, you can receive large doses of UVA radiation.

What do the SPF numbers mean?

An SPF15 sunscreen that's properly applied is meant to give you 15 times the protection you'd get with unprotected skin. So, if you were outside in the sort of sun that burns unprotected skin in 10 minutes, then theoretically, SPF15 would give you 150 minutes of protection. For SPF30 sunscreen, that time would theoretically extend out to 300 minutes.

However, we stress that for the best protection, sunscreen needs to be reapplied frequently while outside – at least every 2 hours if you are out in the sun - no matter how high the SPF.

Times will vary from person to person because of skin type, activities (such as heavy exercise or swimming) and how well the sunscreen is applied. This is why regular application is so important.

No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays: SPF15 blocks 93% of UVB, SPF30 blocks 97% and SPF50 blocks 98%.

What does broad spectrum mean?

Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB radiation. Both types of radiation contribute to premature skin ageing, damage to the immune system and skin cancer.

UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin layer. It's dangerous because there's no immediate warning sign (such as the sunburn caused by UVB rays).

Will the sunscreen protect me all day?

No. Sunscreen can be sweated, washed or rubbed off. The chemicals may break down over time and people simply don't apply enough. You should reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours.

Does having a tan mean you don't need as much sunscreen?

No. A tan is a sign that skin damage has already started. Any further UV radiation will only add to the damage, resulting in wrinkled leathery skin and possibly skin cancer later in life.

What about irritation?

Certain ingredients in sunscreens can irritate some people. This may be due to sensitive skin or a reaction to one of the ingredients (a chemical, preservative or fragrance).

The active ingredients in sunscreens must be listed on the label. However, unlike other cosmetics, sunscreens are exempt from having to list all ingredients.

You can check the active ingredients and preservatives of the sunscreens in our database.

Are sunscreen ingredients safe?

Sunscreen active ingredients can be divided into two groups – mineral (sometimes called physical) and chemical ingredients.

Mineral ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) were previously thought to reflect or scatter UV radiation. Studies have since shown that, like chemical ingredients, they protect by primarily absorbing UV radiation. They are effective at protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation. A downside is they leave white marks on the skin. However, some products use nanoparticles – tiny molecules with dimensions of less than 100 nanometres (nm), which make the sunscreen transparent.

There has been debate about the safety of nanoparticles and whether they can penetrate the outer layer of skin and damage living cells.

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has stated that nanoparticles in sunscreen don’t pose a threat to your health. In 2017, the TGA published a review concluding that most studies found nanoparticles didn’t penetrate “or minimally penetrated” the skin, suggesting “systemic absorption, hence toxicity, is highly unlikely”. It has also stated that new research supports this conclusion.

The European Commission concluded available evidence suggests zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be considered safe for use on the skin as sunscreens up to a concentration of 25%. This does not apply to sprayable products, which might be inhaled.

According to the NZDSI, mineral sunscreens have an excellent safety profile. However, it cautions against using mineral aerosol sunscreens because of the respiratory risk from inhalation.

With cosmetic products, which include sunscreens, nanoparticle ingredients must be labelled. The word ‘nano’ must appear in brackets after any applicable ingredient. However, if a sunscreen complies with Australian regulations this isn’t required, and products don’t need to declare the ingredients’ particle size.

Chemical ingredients (such as octinoxate or oxybenzone) work by absorbing UV radiation and can be further differentiated by the type of radiation they absorb – UVA or UVB. Sunscreens often include a combination of chemical ingredients to protect against both types of UV radiation.

Some people choose to avoid sunscreens with chemical absorbers because of potential health risks. In 2019, a study by researchers from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that four chemicals (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene and ecamsule) may be absorbed through the skin at levels higher than previously believed.

In January 2020, a follow-up study by the same researchers on six sunscreen ingredients (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate) supported these findings.

The FDA has not said these chemicals are unsafe but has asked the industry to provide additional information on 12 sunscreen ingredients to validate their safety and effectiveness.

The European Commission is also investigating whether some sunscreen chemicals have endocrine-disrupting properties. It has asked for scientific data on 14 chemicals and published some scientific opinions to date.

It concluded:

• octocrylene is safe as a UV filter up to 10% on its own or in combination with other UV filters (however, it shouldn’t exceed 9% in a propellant spray)

• homosalate is safe as a UV filter up to 7.34%

• ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate is safe as a UV filter up to 10%.

However, the commission raised concerns about certain levels of oxybenzone (also called benzophenone-3), although it noted evidence about this chemical is “inconclusive”, and about 4-MBC (4-methylbenzylidene camphor).

NZDSI’s website states some chemical ingredients have been found to be systematically absorbed after regular use. The society said that, although there are no known harms, further research is required to confirm this. It also stated studies in humans have been reassuring, with no evidence for endocrine effects.

A spokesperson for NZDSI said UV radiation is the major contributor to skin ageing and cancers. “Sunscreens are an important part of sun protection. They can be used safely, and their benefits far outweigh the small chance of side effects. By covering up more, less sunscreen is required, further reducing any risk of chemical absorption.”

However, NZDSI cautions against applying sunscreen to inflamed or broken skin, which can absorb the sunscreen more easily. It recommends other sun protection methods, such as wearing sun-protective clothing (UPF rated) on these areas.

Are nanoparticles safe?

There is debate about the safety of nanoparticles and whether they can penetrate the outer layer of skin and damage living cells.

In 2017, the Australian TGA concluded that most studies found nanoparticles didn’t penetrate “or minimally penetrated” the skin, suggesting “systemic absorption, hence toxicity, is highly unlikely”.

The European Commission concluded available evidence suggests zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be considered safe for use on the skin as sunscreens up to a concentration of 25%. This does not apply to sprayable products, which might be inhaled.

With cosmetic products, which include sunscreens, nanoparticle ingredients are required to be labelled. The word ‘nano’ must appear in brackets after the ingredient. However, if a sunscreen complies with Australian regulations, this isn’t required and products don’t need to declare the ingredients’ particle size.

What's the environmental impact?

Most sunscreen ingredients have been detected in our oceans. Oxybenzone and octinoxate (also called octyl methoxycinnamate) are the ones raising the most environmental concerns, especially in beach regions where they get washed off.

Sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii, except when being used in prescription-only products. Other regions, such as the US Virgin Islands and Palau, have similar bans. Thailand has announced a ban of certain ingredients being used in its national parks.

Some sunscreens promote their environmental credentials, the most common being that they are ‘reef-safe’ or ocean-friendly. This tends to mean that oxybenzone and octinoxate aren’t used.

We’re concerned about ‘reef-safe’ and ‘reef-friendly’ sunscreen claims. Our 2024 investigation into environmental claims on sunscreens found:

• there’s no regulation defining these terms

• there’s little consistency in what products use the claims

• the science about the environmental threat is still evolving.

To minimise the amount of sunscreen washing off at our beaches, cover up with UV-protective clothing. Also skip the spray. Aerosols cause sunscreen particles to fall to the sand where it can be washed into the ocean.

Are aerosols effective?

Although aerosols can be quick and easy to apply, there are some downsides.

Most people don’t apply enough – giving a light spray instead of the recommended 7 to 9 teaspoons for an average-sized adult.

The Australian consumer organisation Choice estimates only about 40% to 60% of an aerosol can is sunscreen – the rest is propellants. These propellants are flammable, which means they pose a potential safety issue. It also means aerosols are expensive. You’re getting less sunscreen for your money in an aerosol product.

Aerosols may seem an easier option to use on kids, but there’s the risk of accidentally inhaling the sunscreen. But if you are using aerosols, these should be sprayed on your hands first and then applied. This also helps ensure you get an even layer of coverage. Make sure not to miss any areas.

Does sunscreen expire?

Don’t use sunscreens past their expiry date. Ingredients may separate over time, affecting the distribution of active ingredients and your protection from UV radiation. An expired sunscreen may still look, feel or smell the way it did when new, so always check the expiry date and throw out anything that has been around longer than 3 years. If in doubt, chuck it out!

Some products state an expiry date; others include a production date with an expiry symbol. You may need a magnifying glass to read the details, though, as some are well hidden and written in tiny font!

If you can’t find a date, sunscreen should last 2 to 3 years if stored properly. But if you are using the recommended amounts, you should run out by then.

Regardless of the expiry date, store sunscreens out of direct sunlight and other hot places, such as your car’s glovebox.

Does using sunscreen lead to vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D is important. It helps us build and maintain healthy bones and teeth and improves our immunity. Our bodies produce vitamin D when we get sun on our skin.

How much sun exposure you need depends on different factors, such as your skin colour, where you live, how much skin is exposed, the season and time of day and how much vitamin D you get from food. Good food sources include oily fish, eggs and fortified dairy products, but it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D solely from food.

The NZDSI says that usual recreational use of sunscreens doesn’t lead to vitamin D inadequacy. If you have fair skin, it takes less than 3 minutes of midday summer sun to make enough vitamin D if you’re wearing shorts and a T-shirt (for people with darker skin it takes longer). Being physically active outdoors helps you make more vitamin D than resting in the sun.

Sunscreen is a filter, not a block. This means sunscreen-protected skin still produces some vitamin D, but the process takes longer. The NZDSI recommends that if you’re likely to be outside for more than 3 minutes, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. It’s important you don’t get sunburnt while getting your vitamin D hit.

If you think you’re not getting enough vitamin D, talk to your doctor. Some people with a vitamin D deficiency may need to take a supplement.