Best Sunscreen for UVA and UVB Protection

Normally sunscreen searches focus on one thing… stopping sunburn.

This is understandable as sunburn is the most obvious consequence of excessive sun exposure. But thinking this way isn’t looking at the full picture.

The sun produces ultraviolet radiation at a number of different wavelengths. Without complicating things too much, you need to worry about two bands of this ultraviolet radiation (as the rest as dealt with by the atmosphere and doesn’t reach you).

(If you want more info beyond the highlight, the Skin Cancer Foundation provides an exhaustive description of the different types of UV rays, which you can check out after reading this guide!)

The two types of radiation you need to worry about are referred to as UVA and UVB. Proper sun protection means you’re effectively (and equally) protected against both. The way to do this is by finding sunscreens that exclusively specify that they provide sufficient protection against both types of rays.

And that’s where I come in! Let me help you in your search for the right sunscreen to protect you from both UVA and UVB radiation.

After thoroughly searching sunscreens for the necessities to properly protect you, SimplySunSafe recommends Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30+ as the best sunscreen for UVA and UVB protection. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for UVA and UVB protection.

Buyer’s Guide

 

To make sure that you receive the most powerful protection possible, there are a few must-have features that you should focus on searching for in your sunscreen:

Broad spectrum protection

When it comes to UVA and UVB protection, broad spectrum is THE necessity.

That’s because broad spectrum protection is exactly what you are searching for – effective and equal protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

But why do you want this protection?

UVA and UVB rays are different in the way they damage your skin:

• UVB rays cause tanning and burning by damaging the outer layer of your skin. This damage is immediate and noticeable.
• UVA rays cause premature aging (skin wrinkling and sagging) because they damage the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis). This damage is delayed and noticed after year of exposure.

On top of this, both UVA and UVB radiation increase your risk of skin cancer.

The best sunscreen for UVA and UVB will always specify that it’s a broad spectrum sunscreen!

Finding out a sunscreen offers broad spectrum proteciton is relatively easy. Usually sunscreens will have text like, ‘UVA/UVB’ or ‘Broad Spectrum’ on the packaging. If not, check the label for ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. If a sunscreen has either of these ingredients, you’re getting the protection you want.

Best SPF for UVA and UVB Protection

I’m guessing you’ve been basing your sunscreen choices on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) for the majority of your life.

Am I right?

Most people do that even though they don’t fully grasp what SPF really is. When it comes to SPF, knowledge is power. Let me give you a simple explanation:

The SPF tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied the product. For example, if you’re wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, then only 1/30th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin.

However, wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 does not mean that you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF, including time of day, amount of properly applied sunscreen, and even reflections from surfaces like water or sand.

The most important thing that I can tell you is that in order to get the most out of your protection from SPF, you need to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours!

Also, you must know that SPF is protecting you against UVB rays. So when it comes to the best UVA UVB sunscreen, SPF is not the only important factor!

Here is a table that will help you understand how much protection you get from different SPFs:

SPF Rating	UVB Protection
None	0%
2	50%
15	93%
30	97%
50	98%
100	99%

Not what you were expecting?

I think everybody who sees this table is surprised! The truth is that there is very little difference between an SPF of 30 and one of 100. So which should you choose for the supreme protection against UVA and UVB rays?

The American Association of Dermatologists suggests that you always choose sunscreens with SPFs no lower than 30 and no higher than 50.

SimplySunSafe agrees with this assertion and recommends products for your skin within that range!

Physical is better than chemical

Did you know that you can separate sunscreens into two main groups – chemical and physical?

It’s helpful to know so that you can adjust your search. There are real differences between the two groups of sunscreens, and they lie in the active ingredients and in the ways they work to protect your skin.

• Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV rays as they reach your skin.
• Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin.

Which one sounds safer to you?

It must be said that there are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones. Physical sunscreens:

• Work immediately upon application
• Last longer
• Are less likely to cause your skin irritation
• Have a longer shelf life (save money!)

Are you convinced? If not, listen to this:

Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones. This is not something you asked for when trying to find good UVA UVB protection! Unfortunately, the worst of these ingredients, oxybenzone, is still legal despite many concerns from the FDA.

Just be safe and choose physical sunscreens!

Zinc oxide as active ingredient

The easiest thing you can do for yourself when searching for the best sunscreen for UVA protection is to find yourself one that has a high concentration of zinc oxide as its active ingredient.

Zinc oxide is a magical ingredient that protects against the full range of UVA and UVB rays. There is no way to go wrong with zinc oxide and there is no better active ingredient!

Luckily, there are many physical sunscreens which use a high concentration of zinc oxide as their active ingredient. It’s only a matter of finding the specific fit for your lifestyle!

High SPF

If you want to be sure that you’re getting the optimal protection against UVB rays then you can choose to use a higher SPF.

This choice depends largely on your unique skin type. It’s not necessary for everybody.

If you have especially sensitive skin or a paler tone, then it is likely a good choice for you!

Best Sunscreen for UVA and UVB Protection Comparison

 

5 Best Sunscreens for UVA and UVB Protection

 

After extensive consideration about what is needed for UVA UVB protection which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for UVA and UVB protection.

Each sunscreen provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or greater. They all include zinc oxide as an active ingredient and there are high SPF options!

1. Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30+

Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SimplySunSafe’s choice for best UVA protection sunscreen is Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen SPF 30+. This sunscreen is the ideal choice when focusing on UVA protection.

It provides broad spectrum protection with a very high concentration of active ingredient of zinc oxide (23%).

Raw Elements Eco Formula is a great choice for people with all types of skin. The formula is gentle and will not cause your skin irritation. It will even moisturize your skin as it protects it!

It goes without saying that you will be left with a bit of a white cast due to the very high concentration of zinc oxide, but this is a small tradeoff for the overall best protection against UVA and UVB rays.

If you prefer, Raw Elements Eco Formula is also available in stick form!

You can use Raw Elements Eco Formula sunscreen everyday on your skin, if you’d like, and throughout the year as well. The formula provides 80 minutes of water resistance which will serve you well during hot, humid weather or even exercise!

2. Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35

Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Another amazing option for protection against UVA and UVB radiation is Badger Sport Sunscreen. You will receive broad spectrum with another very high concentration of zinc oxide (22.5%).

Badger Sport is a deceptively simple formula, with only 5 natural ingredients. Its simplicity and mildness makes it the best UVA UVB sunscreen for your face. There will be no irritation even when you use it on a daily basis!

Badger Sport is another product that can be used throughout all seasons and in varying conditions, as it provides 80 minutes of water resistance.

It may also help you to know that Badger is available for kids and babies, as well!

Badger is a great option for you to check out!

3. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+

Last update on 2023-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is another great option for UVA and UVB protection. The concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (20%) provides you with stellar broad spectrum protection.

If you’re searching for the safest sunscreen option, then thinksport may be the one for you. It was the first sunscreen to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements, and lives up to its reputation. It is very gentle on your skin and won’t cause any irritation.

Thinksport is another flexible sunscreen option that provides 80 minutes of water resistance so that you can use it throughout the year. Its high SPF makes it a great option if you paler or sensitive skin!

Thinksport is also available in kids and baby formulas. Great protection for the whole family!

If you work long hours in the sun, this is probably the sunscreen for you as it was chosen by SimplySunSafe as the best outdoor work sunscreen.

4. BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical Sunscreen SPF 30

Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical Sunscreen is another strong and reliable option for UVA and UVB protection. Broad spectrum protection is provided through a high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).

BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical has a rough sounding name, but let me assure you, it is very mild and gentle on the skin. No irritation will be experienced, and you will be able to use it daily on your face and body.

You will be left with a slight white cast because of the high concentration of zinc oxide, but this is to be expected.

BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical is another option which is great for the hot weather or for use during outdoor exercise, as it provides 80 minutes of water resistance.

5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Last update on 2023-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a sweet alternative for UVA and UVB protection. It provides broad-spectrum protection with a blend of Zinc Oxide 10% and Titanium Dioxide 5% to form a physical mineral block against the burning (UVA) and aging (UVB) rays. Zinc and titanium Oxides are used because they are natural minerals that do not breakdown in the sun and do not irritate the skin because they are devoid of nano-particles that sink into the sink and block the skin pores. It carries no chemical ingredients like parabens and fragrances.

You can use is in the sea and nature parks for the water-resistant sunscreen contains no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate in order to protect the reefs and corals.

It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. This allows you to do rigorous activities like running, biking and swimming without having to worry that your protection has been compromised. It is to be reapplied every two hours of normal activities. It is suitable for everyday application and can be applied to the face and body.

However, something to watch out for is the white cast it leaves on the skin, although it is easy to conceal and remove!

Conclusion

This guide was written keeping in mind those searching for the best sunscreen for UVA and UVB protection. Hopefully by reading this guide, you gained a better understanding of what UVA and UVB rays are, and found a product that fits into your unique lifestyle.

SimplySunSafe recommends Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30+, but all 5 of the listed products will provide you with sufficient and satisfactory protection!

Get testing now that you’ve read this guide! It’s important to try any potential sunscreens on your skin to see how you react. Once you get a feel for what your skin does and doesn’t like, you can make a decision about which sunscreen to choose!

I love learning new things and hearing about new products from the people around me! If you use or know of another great product for protection against UVA and UVB rays, please share it in the comments! I’ll be excited to check it out and maybe even add it to the list!

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