How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun

The FDA regulates sunscreens just as it does other nonprescription drug products to ensure they meet strict safety and efficacy standards. In June 2026, the agency added bemotrizinol to the list of permitted active ingredients, providing consumers with a broader range of effective sun protection options.

Given the established public health advantages of using sunscreen, it is recommended that Americans combine its use with other sun-protective habits.

How you utilize sunscreen and the additional protective measures you adopt significantly impact your ability to shield yourself and your family from sunburn, skin cancer, premature skin aging, and other dangers associated with excessive sun exposure. Key safety recommendations include:

Limit your time in direct sunlight, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when solar rays are at their strongest.

Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats, to cover exposed skin.

Consistently use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, following the label instructions.

Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or perspiring.

How do I apply sunscreen?

Apply the product 15 minutes before heading outdoors. This window allows the sunscreen sufficient time to provide maximum protection.

Use enough to cover your entire body and face, being careful to avoid the mouth and eyes. An average adult or child requires at least one ounce—roughly the volume of a shot glass—to achieve even coverage from head to toe.

Understand your skin type. Individuals with fair skin are likely to absorb more solar energy than those with darker skin under identical conditions and may be more prone to burning.

Reapply at least every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.

Exposed scalp (from balding or thinning hair)

How do I store sunscreen?

To ensure your sunscreen remains in good condition and maintains its efficacy, the FDA advises against exposing containers to direct sunlight. Protect the product by keeping it in the shade or wrapping containers in towels while outdoors in the heat for extended periods. For this reason, labels must state: “Protect the product in this container from excessive heat and direct sun.”

Is sunscreen waterproof?

No. There is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen.

It is important to understand that no sunscreen is truly “waterproof,” as all formulas eventually wash off. Products labeled “water resistant” must undergo specific testing procedures to verify their performance. These labels are also required to specify whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 or 80 minutes during swimming or sweating. Regardless of water-resistance claims, all sunscreens must provide clear instructions on when to reapply to ensure continued protection.

Do infants and children need sunscreen?

Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months old. The FDA suggests keeping babies out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and using protective clothing if sun exposure is unavoidable. Infants are at a higher risk for side effects, such as rashes, from sunscreen. The safest approach for infants is to avoid direct sun exposure entirely. Consult a pediatrician before applying sunscreen to children under six months.

For children older than six months, the FDA recommends using sunscreen as directed on the Drug Facts label.

What are the types of sunscreen?

Sunscreen is available in various forms, including:

Application directions can differ based on the product form. For instance, spray sunscreens should never be applied directly to the face. This is one reason why you should always review the label before use.

What do SPF and Broad Spectrum mean?

The SPF value measures the level of sunburn protection a product offers. All sunscreens must be tested to determine how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is required to cause a sunburn while using the product compared to the amount required without it. UV radiation includes both UVA and UVB rays. The product is then assigned an appropriate SPF value.

Sunscreens are available in a variety of SPF levels. Higher values, up to 50, offer increased protection against sunburn. Because SPF testing focuses on sunburn, these values primarily reflect UVB protection. For the best results, select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

Some people mistakenly believe SPF relates to the duration of sun exposure. For example, some assume that if they normally burn in one hour, an SPF 15 product allows them to stay out for 15 hours. This is incorrect because SPF relates to the intensity of solar exposure rather than time. The amount of exposure varies based on several factors. For example, the sun is more intense at midday than in the early morning or evening, increasing your risk of burning. Geographic location also plays a role; those closer to the equator experience higher solar intensity than those further away, even if they spend the same amount of time outdoors.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens guard against both UVA and UVB radiation. Since not all products are broad-spectrum, it is vital to check the label. While the SPF value mainly indicates UVB protection, broad-spectrum products also defend against UVA rays. Always combine the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with other protective measures when outdoors. Sunscreen works by creating a chemical barrier that absorbs or reflects UV radiation before it can harm the skin.

Sunscreens that are not broad-spectrum or have an SPF lower than 15 must include this warning on their Drug Facts label:

Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.

What ingredients are in sunscreen?

Every FDA-regulated drug contains both active and inactive ingredients. In sunscreen, active ingredients are those that shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Inactive ingredients include all other components, such as oils or water, used to formulate the product.

Commonly used active ingredients in sunscreen products include:

Although sunscreen works on the skin’s surface, there is evidence that some active ingredients are absorbed into the body. Consequently, the FDA is working to determine if exposure to certain ingredients poses safety risks and has requested data from manufacturers to confirm the safety of these substances.

Does sunscreen expire?

FDA regulations mandate that all nonprescription drugs feature an expiration date unless stability testing proves the product remains effective for at least three years. If a sunscreen lacks an expiration date, it should be considered expired three years after the date of purchase.

To ensure your sunscreen provides the protection promised on the label, the FDA advises:

Do not use sunscreen that has passed its expiration date.

Do not use sunscreen that lacks an expiration date if it was purchased more than three years ago.

Discard expired products, as they may no longer be safe or effective. If you are unsure of the age of your sunscreen, throw it away.

What about sunscreens from other countries?

While other nations may regulate sunscreens differently—sometimes as cosmetics—in the United States, they are classified as drugs. This means they must meet all U.S. safety and efficacy standards for nonprescription medications.

Because sunscreens help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging when used correctly, they must be both safe and effective for their intended purpose.

If you buy sunscreen outside the U.S., carefully read the label to understand any differences between that product and those sold domestically.

What are other safety concerns with sunscreen?

On September 10, 2026, the FDA issued a final administrative order removing aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate from the sunscreen OTC monograph. The agency’s review of safety data determined that the risks associated with these ingredients outweigh their benefits. Once the order is effective, products containing these ingredients cannot be marketed under the OTC monograph and cannot be sold without FDA approval. Consumers do not need to take action, as the FDA is not aware of any currently marketed sunscreens containing these substances.

Spray sunscreens can be flammable

There have been incidents where individuals applying or wearing sunscreen spray near open flames caught fire, resulting in severe burns requiring medical attention. While the specific products involved in those cases were voluntarily recalled, many other spray sunscreens still contain flammable ingredients like alcohol.

Flammable products must carry a warning label indicating they should not be used near open flames.

To stay safe when using spray sunscreens, follow these steps:

Consider your environment before applying. If you will be near a flame, avoid products with flammability warnings and choose a non-flammable alternative. This is especially important for children, who are often active and may be near potential fire

Do not smoke or be near open flames—such as lit cigarettes, candles, or grills—while applying or wearing sunscreen labeled as flammable.

Because burns can be more severe in children, keeping them away from flammable materials is crucial. Parents and caregivers should always read product labels to select the appropriate sunscreen for their children.

You may be aware that certain spray sunscreens were recalled due to benzene contamination. The FDA advises consumers to avoid using any recalled products. Check to see if your sunscreen has been subject to a recall.

The FDA continues to monitor drug quality and encourages retailers to remove problematic products from shelves and online stores when necessary. Consumers should continue to use sunscreen alongside other protective measures to minimize the risks of sun exposure.