SPF Levels, Explained: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

Figuring out what SPF level to use can feel like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. SPF 15, 30, 50+ all sound like good options, but how much protection are you actually getting? And does higher always mean better? Spoiler: Not exactly.

We’re breaking down the numbers, busting the biggest SPF myths and helping you land on a sunscreen that works just as hard as you do.

What Does “SPF” Mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it’s a way of measuring how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays (aka the rays that cause sunburn). But here's the part some people forget: SPF doesn’t cover UVA rays, which are responsible for premature signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

That means your daily sunscreen should offer broad spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Now, let’s talk numbers. Here’s what different SPF levels actually block, according to the American Academy of Dermatology:

SPF 15: blocks about 93% of UVB rays
SPF 30: blocks about 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50+: blocks about 98% of UVB rays

As you can see, there’s not a massive leap in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50, but many people assume higher SPF is dramatically stronger. That leads us to the next big question...

What’s the Best SPF Level?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using no less than SPF 30 every day, rain or shine. So here at Supergoop!, we say the sweet spot is SPF 30–50. You get high-performance protection without the potential downsides of super-high SPF formulas (more on that in a minute).

But it's not just about the number! It’s also important to apply SPF generously and evenly. And don’t forget to reapply at least every two hours!ent Article

Why Not Just Use the Highest SPF Level You Can Find?

We get it; higher SPF might sound safer. But as we demonstrated above, going over SPF 50 doesn’t give you significantly better protection. SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays, and anything higher than that only adds fractional increases in protection.

Plus, high SPF levels can give a false sense of security. People often think they can stay in the sun longer, skip reapplication or apply less sunscreen overall.

There’s also the formula factor. Creating ultra-high SPF, especially with mineral-based ingredients, often requires packing in large amounts of active filters. That can lead to thicker, chalkier formulas that feel heavy on skin or leave a white cast.

That’s why we focus on creating formulas that strike the perfect balance between protection and wearability. Because the best SPF is the one you want to wear.

Find Your New Fave Supergoop! SPF

We’ve made it our job to create sunscreens for every skin type, tone and routine. Here are four of our favorites, designed with thoughtful formulas that feel amazing and protect like pros:

Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30

Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 is formulated with our innovative SheerMatrix™ Technology to blend in sheer and minimize the white cast typically associated with mineral sunscreen, giving you a smooth, natural finish that’s ideal for sensitive skin.

Glowscreen SPF 40

This is a cult favorite for a reason! Glowscreen SPF 40 is a glowy tinted face sunscreen that delivers a luminous, sunkissed finish and creates a smooth, glowy base for makeup. Packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and light-reflecting pearls, this formula hydrates, primes and protects with broad spectrum SPF 40.

Glowscreen Sunlighter Stick SPF 45

Glow on the go! Our Glowscreen Sunlighter Stick SPF 45 doubles as a highlighter and gives skin an instant boost of glow. Apply it all over or target high points like your cheekbones or brow bones. It’s formulated with turmeric, which is known to help even tone, hyaluronic acid to enhance skin’s moisture and a complex of triple-coated pearls to blur imperfections.

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

If you want invisible protection that feels like nothing on your skin, this is it. Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 is a weightless gel with a velvety finish that blurs pores and grips makeup like a primer. It’s non-greasy and non-comedogenic, making it perfect for all skin types, even acne-prone. This award-winner has SPF 50 protection and zero white cast.