How we rate sunscreens

RateMySPF reads the full ingredient list of every sunscreen and rates it on the things that actually decide whether you'll keep using it, from UV protection to white cast, eye sting and comedogenic risk. Each guide below explains, in plain language, what the score means and exactly how we work it out, with real product examples.

☀️ UV protection How we rate UV protection, reading real broad-spectrum coverage off the label ☢️ Health safety Sunscreen ingredient safety, which ingredients regulators restrict or study, and how we rate it 🤧 Allergens Sunscreen and skin allergies, which ingredients raise the risk 👻 White cast Why mineral sunscreen leaves a white cast, and how to pick one that won't 🔥 Eye sting Why sunscreen stings your eyes, and how to pick one that won't 🪨 Heavy feel Why some sunscreens feel heavy and greasy, and how to read it off the label 🔴 Comedogenic Is your sunscreen comedogenic? How we rate pore-clogging ingredients 🍄 Fungal acne Fungal-acne-safe sunscreen: which ingredients feed malassezia 👕 Fabric stains Why sunscreen stains your shirts and collars yellow, and how to pick one that won't 💧 Moisture Light vs hydrating sunscreen: how much moisture a formula actually adds ✨ Finish Matte vs dewy sunscreen: what gives a formula its finish 💄 Makeup base Why makeup pills over sunscreen, and how to pick one your foundation grips 🌊 Water resistance How we rate water resistance, reading sweat and swim staying power off the ingredient list

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