SPF Labelling Demystified: What “Star Ratings” and Broad‑Spectrum Really Mean

And why it matters for your skin (and the planet)

Let’s Be Honest, Sunscreen Labels Are Confusing

If you've ever picked up a sunscreen and felt a bit overwhelmed by all the numbers, stars, and buzzwords, you're definitely not alone. Words like broad-spectrum, SPF 30, SPF 50+, and star ratings seem to shout from every corner of the label, but what do they really mean? And more importantly, how do they affect your skin?

We’re here to break it all down in super simple terms, especially if you’re someone who wants not only safe skin but also clean, ethical products. Let’s get into the real stuff that most brands don’t bother explaining.

SPF: What You Think It Means vs What It Actually Does

When most people see a high SPF on a sunscreen bottle, they assume it means stronger or longer-lasting protection. It’s an easy mistake to make. But in reality, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only tells you how well a product shields your skin from UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn. It doesn’t cover the deeper, more ageing UVA rays (we’ll get to that in a bit).

Now, here’s the part that often catches people off guard: the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 sounds huge. But in practice, it’s not. SPF 30 blocks roughly 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. That’s just a 1% difference – not exactly the massive leap it sounds like. So rather than chasing the highest number on the shelf, it’s more important to apply your sunscreen properly, and reapply it every couple of hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating (yes, that’s important no matter what the SPF is).

In fact, over-relying on high SPF can make people a bit too relaxed. You might stay out in the sun longer, skip a second layer, or forget those easy-to-miss areas. Sunscreen isn’t a suit of armour, it works best when you treat it as one part of your daily routine, not a cure-all. Whether it’s SPF 30 or 50, consistency matters more than the number on the label.  

◐ UVB vs UVA: The Battle You Didn’t Know Your Skin Was Fighting

Here’s something the labels don’t shout loud enough: SPF only covers UVB, but UVA rays go deeper into the skin and cause:

• Premature ageing (wrinkles, spots, sagging)
• Cellular damage over time
• A higher risk of skin cancer

This is where the “Broad-Spectrum” label becomes your skin’s best friend.

◐ “Broad-Spectrum” = Full Protection, But Read Carefully

When you see “broad-spectrum” on a sunscreen bottle, it means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. That’s crucial if you want to protect not just against sunburn, but the long-term damage most people forget about.

But here’s the kicker, not all countries measure UVA protection the same way. In the UK and many parts of Europe, we use something called the UVA “Star Rating” system.

◐ The Star Rating: The Unsung Hero of SPF Labels

If you flip your sunscreen around and see something like ★★★★ or ★★★★★, that’s the UVA Star Rating. It shows how much UVA protection the sunscreen offers compared to UVB.

★★☆☆☆ = low UVA protection

★★★☆☆ = good balance

★★★★★ = excellent UVA protection

So a sunscreen with SPF 30 and ★★★★★ star rating is often better balanced than one with SPF 50 and just ★★★. The stars matter more than you think!

◐ The Bigger Problem: What Else Is in Your Sunscreen?

Now that we’ve cleared up the SPF basics, let’s get into another concern that’s finally getting the attention it deserves: what else is in your sunscreen, and how it affects you and the planet.

Many commercial sunscreens are full of harsh chemicals that:

• Irritate sensitive skin
• Disrupt marine life and coral reefs
• Leave white, greasy residues
• Get into your bloodstream (yikes)

If you care about your skin, the environment, and ethical choices, it’s time to turn to vegan, organic, eco-friendly skincare products that offer both safety and sustainability.

Your Daily Skin Routine Reimagined, The Natural Way

Healthy skin isn’t just about sun protection. It’s about how you treat your skin before and after exposure. Here’s how you can build a complete, skin-loving routine using vegan, sustainable ingredients:

◐ Start Fresh in the Shower

Hydrating Shower Gel – Infused with grape seed oil, aloe vera, and turmeric, this gel hydrates and soothes while gently cleansing sun-exposed skin. Aloe and turmeric work together to cool inflammation and brighten the skin, while grape seed oil restores softness.

◐ Cleanse Away the Day

Use a Gentle Cleanser – Perfect for washing off sunscreen without stripping your skin. This calming blend of magnesium, beetroot extract, and vitamin E helps fight free radicals, soothes irritation, and supports your skin’s natural barrier.

◐ Lock in Hydration All Over

Body Lotion – Packed with shea butter, aloe vera, and magnesium, this lotion nourishes deeply, making it ideal for post-sun moisturising. It repairs dry patches and keeps skin supple, while magnesium helps calm inflammation.

◐ Show Your Hands Some Love

Hand Lotion – Our hands often face UV damage too. This rich formula with cacao butter, aloe vera, magnesium, and vitamin E provides hydration and antioxidant support to heal and protect delicate hand skin.

◐ Don’t Forget the Lips

Lip Balm – Lips are highly sensitive to UV but often forgotten. This balm, made with cacao butter, shea butter, and vitamin E, offers deep nourishment, prevents chapping, and works great under an SPF lip balm.

All Labels Tell a Story, We just need to learn to read It

Next time you shop for sunscreen or skincare, remember:

• SPF only tells part of the story, look for broad-spectrum and star ratings
• Higher SPF doesn’t mean higher safety
• Your skin needs both protection and repair
• Clean skincare isn’t just a trend, it’s the future

Choose smart. Choose kind. Choose vegan, organic, and sustainable skincare that loves your skin and the earth.

Your Skin Is Smarter Than You Think. Make Sure Your Products Are Too.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our full range of daily-use products, created with purpose, powered by plants, and packaged for a better planet.