What is the best sunscreen?

By Cancer Council NSW 1 Jul 2021

Sunscreen reduces the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin by providing a barrier to absorb or reflect UV away, preventing damage to the cells below.

We recommend applying SPF 50 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours.

Cancer Council has a range of sunscreens, so it’s really about finding a sunscreen that best suits you. The more appealing a sunscreen is to you, the more likely you’ll use it regularly, which will help prevent UV damage.

Everyday SPF30 – Good value formulation with high protection suitable for all the family.
Ultra SPF50+ – Very high protection with a dry touch feel, suitable for most situations and lifestyles.
Kids or Kids + Zinc, low active, very high protection, formulated for delicate skin.
Sport SPF50+ or Watersport SPF50+ – Anyone that enjoys water activities.
Active SPF50+ – Anyone that enjoys and outdoor lifestyle, gardening, land sports, very dry touch, very high protection.
Work SPF50+ – Tradies or people that work outside wanting a dry touch formula giving very high protection (this one is my second favourite! It’s non-greasy AND comes in a 1L container).
Sensitive SPF50+ – Sensitive skin, contains 5% zinc.
Classic SPF50+ or Kids + Zinc – A traditional zinc-based sunscreen, contains 20% zinc.
Day Wear SPF30 – A sunscreen designed for the face or use under make up.
Repel SPF30+ – A sunscreen that will also repel mosquitoes and sand flies.

All sunscreens made in Australia are regulated by Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), an Australian government authority which monitors and evaluates all ingredients used in sunscreens for their efficacy and safety.

Sunscreen isn’t a suit of armour, remember to re-apply every two hours, and use in conjunction with protective clothing, a broadbrimmed hat, shade and sunglasses.