By now, we all know sunscreen is important. You probably have at least a few bottles of sunscreen at home, boasting waterproof qualities or a “lightweight feel,” SPFs of 30 or 50. But how much do you really know about the ingredients in that bottle? What makes one sunscreen different from the next? And which is best for you? Let’s talk about it.

Why is sunscreen important?

This one’s easy. Sunscreen helps shield your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause—among other things—sunburn, hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen is a crucial part of your skincare routine, and you should wear it every day. UV rays are present even on cloudy days and during the winter. Apply sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather or season, to stay protected.

What types of sunscreen are there?

Here’s what you might not know. There are two types of sunscreen in the U.S.: chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens.

• Chemical sunscreens bind to the skin and absorb UV rays in their chemical bond. To stay protected, you need to apply these sunscreens 20 minutes before you’re exposed to the sun. Chemical sunscreens become ineffective over time, so you need to reapply at least once every 2 hours—if not more. Avobenzone, for example, loses 60% of its effectiveness after 60 minutes of sun exposure.

• Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, form a physical barrier to reflect the sun’s rays, protecting your skin from UVA and UVB radiation. These sunscreens often give your skin a white tint, and they offer immediate protection you can see. You can wash physical sunscreens off at the end of the day, once you’re safe from the sun. Physical sunscreens are more effective than chemical sunscreens.

What should I look for when buying sunscreen?

To choose the best sunscreen, you should look beyond the claims on the front of the bottle and carefully examine the ingredients. Here are some guidelines to follow when shopping:

• Avoid chemical sunscreens. Two of the most common chemical sunscreens are Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. Of the chemical sunscreens currently available, none are considered “Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective” by the FDA. The FDA removed them from this category in 2019 after discovering that the human body absorbs these chemical filters at an unhealthy rate. Chemical sunscreens are now considered endocrine disruptors, hindering the normal function of the thyroid and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. More evidence has recently come to light that Oxybenzone is a dangerous ingredient.

• Avoid Dimethicone. Dimethicone is a fully synthesized silicone oil. That means the carbon atom is replaced with a silicone, which gives the product a smooth feel without doing anything to protect your skin. More concerning, Dimethicone breaks down very slowly, making it a threat to our environment.

• Choose Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide. At Kettle Care, we recommend choosing a physical sunscreen with non-nano-sized minerals, which means that the particles are big enough not to be absorbed by the skin, but to lay on top of it while providing adequate UV protection. There are two physical sunscreens that are considered “Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective” (GRASE) by the FDA: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide. Choose a sunscreen that lists these as active ingredients.

Why doesn’t Kettle Care make sunscreen?

The FDA treats sunscreens like over-the-counter drugs, which means they require full efficacy and safety testing and a pharmaceutical compliant FDA facility. We would have to make sunscreens all day every day to make this business move feasible. Instead, we’ll stick to sharing our tips. And making the richest, most natural, most deeply luxurious skincare products on the market.