No SPF-infused product can replace a sunscreen — here’s why

While SPF-infused products promise convenience and multiple benefits, can they replace sunscreen altogether? Experts say no—here’s why

From being on the fence about sunscreen application first, and lazy about it later, we’ve come a long way—various categories of sunscreen products now occupy a permanent spot in our skincare cabinet. Lightweight lotions or runny serums have made generous applications a comfortable possibility, while non-greasy sticks and tinted make-up powders have proven to be effective solutions for the reapplication struggle. Beauty brands now have skin-ified base make-up products (in fact, lip care products too), given the high return merit that they identify in SPF (sun protection formula). From tinted moisturisers to foundation, concealer, BB/CC cream and even primer, several complexion products contain a certain quantum of sun protection—usually varying between SPF 15 to SPF 50. Sure, it promises convenience and multiple benefits, but can non-sunscreen SPF-infused products replace sunscreen altogether? Experts say no—here’s why.

How far can SPF-infused products go?

From It Cosmetics’ award-winning Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50+ to Paula Choice’s Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50, numerous face creams and base make-up products champion SPF. To a consumer, it may certainly seem like a great deal—time- and cost-effective. However, an SPF-infused moisturiser or foundation is far from being a one-and-done product. “SPF-infused products that are not specifically designed as sunscreens can offer some degree of sun protection, but their effectiveness is often lower compared to dedicated sunscreens,” says New Delhi-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Kiran Sethi, “This is because they are typically formulated with lower concentrations of active sunscreen ingredients and may not provide as broad or long-lasting protection as dedicated sunscreens.”

“SPF-infused products are formulated by integrating UV filters into their composition. These UV filters can be chemical, like avobenzone and octocrylene, which absorb UV rays, or physical, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect them. The efficacy of these products relies heavily on the concentration and type of UV filters used, and their mechanism, which is grounded in their ability to absorb, reflect, or scatter the harmful ultraviolet rays,” says Hyderabad-based board-certified dermatologist Dr Nishita Ranka.

SPF-infused products are great for layering products with your regular sunblock, but solely relying on them is not a good idea as they don’t offer broad-spectrum protection, shares New Delhi-based aesthetician and founder of Isaac Luxe, Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta. “Usually such hybrids contain merely SPF 15 or SPF 20, which is not enough to protect your skin from UV damage; even if it contains SPF 30, it will be thicker in consistency, which means we won’t be applying sufficient amounts to adhere to the two-finger rule.

Why do you still need sunscreen?

Simply put, for optimum sun protection. Besides inadequate protection in the product due to a deficit of the UV filters required, “one prevailing concern is the dilution of efficacy in SPF-infused products,” cites Ranka. “When sunscreen is combined with other ingredients, its uniform distribution on the skin surface can be compromised, potentially leading to uneven protection. This is particularly concerning as UV rays can induce DNA damage, leading to mutations and, subsequently, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.” If you’re someone who ends up mixing sunscreen into a foundation or moisturiser for quick and facile application, the same logic applies. “This is because mixing sunscreen with another product can alter its chemical composition and reduce its ability to protect against UV rays,” reiterates Mittal Gupta.

“While SPF-infused products offer a convenient way to incorporate some level of SPF into your daily skincare or make-up routine, a traditional sunscreen is specifically formulated and tested for sun protection; it undergoes rigorous testing to determine its SPF rating and its ability to protect against UVA and UVB rays,” explains Sethi. “Sunscreen is designed to be applied in a thicker layer and is generally more effective at providing sun protection compared to SPF-infused products. The type and quality of sun-blocking ingredients used in SPF-infused products can vary. Some may not provide broad-spectrum protection or may not be as effective against certain types of UV rays.”

Along the same lines, Mittal Gupta apprises that the only benefit that one gets from SPF-infused products is protection against incidental UV damage. And, the same rule applies to sunscreen powders as well. “They generally incorporate physical UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While they can offer some level of protection, relying on them solely is not advisable as the application is often not uniform and rarely achieves the layer of thickness required for adequate protection,” mentions Ranka.

Are SPF-infused skincare and make-up products worth the investment?

Yes and no—depending on the intention behind the investment. “SPF-infused products are not primarily designed for sun protection but hydration, coverage, or other skincare or aesthetic benefits. Thus, relying solely on these products can leave the skin vulnerable to UV damage, contributing to premature ageing and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Having said that, SPF-infused products serve as excellent supplementary protection,” admits Ranka. “They can provide an added layer of defence against incidental sun exposure, particularly for individuals who spend most of their time indoors. They are particularly beneficial for those who may forget to apply sunscreen regularly.” So if you promise yourself to wear sunscreen on a regular basis and then layer it with an SPF-infused base product, you could consider investing in the latter. And if you’re worrying about pilling, don’t. Sethi confirms that you can wear sunscreen and SPF-infused products together for added protection.

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