Glossary
A measurement of how effectively a sunscreen protects against UVB radiation, the type that causes sunburn. SPF 30 filters approximately 97% of UVB rays. No natural skincare ingredient provides reliable, tested SPF, though some oils have minimal UV-blocking properties.
SPF is a ratio. SPF 30 means it takes 30 times longer for UVB radiation to produce a sunburn on protected skin compared to unprotected skin. In practical terms, if you would burn after 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, an SPF 30 sunscreen extends that to approximately 300 minutes (5 hours). However, this is a lab measurement under ideal conditions; real-world performance is lower due to sweat, water, inconsistent application, and the fact that most people apply far less sunscreen than the amount used in testing.
SPF measures protection against UVB rays (the "burning" rays that cause surface-level sunburn). But UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the dermis and are the primary driver of photoaging, wrinkles, and collagen destruction, are not fully captured by SPF ratings. "Broad spectrum" sunscreens protect against both UVB and UVA. Always look for "broad spectrum" on the label in addition to an SPF number.
Some natural oils have very modest UV-filtering properties. Raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, and coconut oil are sometimes cited as "natural sunscreens." However, their SPF-equivalent values are extremely low (typically SPF 1-7 at best) and have not been validated through standardized testing. No natural oil or butter should be relied upon as a primary sun protection strategy.
Our products do not claim SPF ratings, and we would never suggest they replace sunscreen. What we do recommend is a layered approach: apply a tested, broad-spectrum sunscreen as your sun protection base, and use our balms and butters for their moisturizing and nourishing benefits. Sun protection and skin nourishment serve different purposes and should be addressed with appropriate tools for each.
Some natural oils (raspberry seed, carrot seed) have shown minimal UV-filtering properties in limited studies, but their protection levels are too low and too variable to serve as reliable sunscreens. No natural skincare product should replace a tested, broad-spectrum sunscreen for sun protection.
Dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30, broad-spectrum, applied daily to exposed skin regardless of weather. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers provide marginally more protection (SPF 50 blocks 98%), but the difference is small. Consistent application matters more than SPF number.
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