Guide
Can you simply add up the sun protection factor from two products?
by Natalie Hemengül
Which sunscreens offer the best protection? Sprays, creams or sticks?
19-8-2025
Translation: Katherine Martin
There are tons of different sunscreens out there, but are they all equally good at protecting us from the sun’s rays? I asked an expert to weigh in.
When you’re buying sunscreen, it’s up to you whether you go for a stick, a cream or a spray. But does it make a difference which type of sun protection you choose? «The type of sunscreen – be it a cream, gel, stick, spray or lotion – generally doesn’t have an impact on its ability to protect. The level of protection always comes down to the stated SPF, and depends on whether you’ve applied enough product and done so correctly,» says Joëlle Jufer, a cancer prevention expert at «Krebsliga Schweiz» (the Swiss Cancer League) (website in German). Jufer goes on to say that opting for a sunscreen that’s nice to use is key, because if you do, you’ll put it on regularly and in large enough amounts. «This is especially important for children,» she adds.
What to consider
However, there are still a few points you should bear in mind. Jufer says: «If you’re using a sunscreen with a thin consistency, there’s a risk that you’ll use too little, which will stop you from getting the best protective performance.»
Sprays, she adds, should be used with caution. «They’re less effective because some of the product ends up in the air when you spray it on. Plus, it often ends up being spread unevenly on your skin. Not to mention the fact that there’s a risk you’ll breathe it in.» Although sprays aren’t necessarily toxic, Jufer says they can irritate the respiratory tract. «For that reason, you shouldn’t spray sunscreen directly onto your face.»
And what about those handy sunscreen sticks? «It’s easy to miss a spot when you’re using a stick, so follow the same rule you would with a liquid product: apply it twice to be on the safe side!»
This article is part of a miniseries on sun protection in collaboration with the Swiss Cancer League. Here are all the articles we’ve published so far:
Header image: Philippe Murray-Pietsch via Unsplash
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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