Sun Protection in Beauty Routines: Is SPF Makeup Enough?

The beauty and personal care sector is a multi-billion-dollar industry driven by consumer demand, product innovations, and emerging trends. Currently, it is valued at $450 billion and is expected to exceed $700 billion in global revenue by 2028.^1,2 The industry includes 5 major categories: cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, personal care, and beauty technology. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies products like lipstick, blush, foundation, face powder, eye shadow, eye liner, and mascara as cosmetics.³ 

One trend currently shaping the industry is “skinimalism” or skin minimalism. This trend encourages users to simplify their skin care and makeup routines, using fewer products that contain higher-quality ingredients or using multifunctional products.⁴ As a result, many beauty products are now designed with skin care-forward ingredients such as niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, providing cosmetic and skin health benefits. 

Among these multifunctional products, sunscreen-infused makeup has become increasingly popular. Sunscreen ingredients are now found in products such as moisturizers, foundations, and powder, allowing users to streamline their routine while adding a layer of sun protection. In 2025, the US sunscreen market was valued at $5.30 billion and is projected to reach $8.20 billion by 2034.⁵ Once viewed as a seasonal product, sunscreen has evolved into a daily skin care essential due to increased awareness of skin cancer and premature aging. 

However, the growing availability of SPF-infused products raises an important question: is makeup with sun protection factor (SPF) enough on its own, or should it be used concomitantly with a dedicated sunscreen? To determine whether it can serve as an effective substitute for traditional sunscreen, it is essential to first understand how sunscreen works, how SPF is measured, and how SPF-infused products are used in practice. 

Understanding Sunscreen, SPF, and Broad Spectrum

Understanding the fundamentals of sunscreen and SPF is important when evaluating the level of protection provided by SPF-infused products. Sunscreen contains active ingredients that help prevent ultraviolet (UV) radiation from damaging the skin. There are 2 main types of sunscreen: physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. Physical sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, contains either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which reflects and scatters the UV rays before they penetrate the skin. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, often contains avobenzone and octisalate, which absorb UV rays before they can damage the skin.⁶ 

SPF measures how much UV radiation is required to produce a sunburn on protected skin relative to the amount of UV radiation is required to produce a sunburn on unprotected skin. In general, as the SPF number increases, the level of protection also increases. However, SPF does not directly correlate to the time of sun exposure. Instead, it relates to the amount of sun exposure.⁷ 

Broad-spectrum is another essential term to understand when discussing sunscreen and SPF. Broad spectrum defines the sunscreen’s ability to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays make up about 95% of UV radiation. They have similar intensity throughout daylight hours and can penetrate through clouds and fog. Although UVA rays play a smaller role in causing sunburn than UVB rays, they are still as dangerous. UVA rays are responsible for tanning, a sign of DNA damage, and premature skin aging, including wrinkles. They also penetrate more deeply into the skin than UVB rays and are commonly used in tanning machines. In contrast, the intensity of UVB rays varies depending on the weather, time of day, and location. These rays are responsible for skin redness and sunburn because they mainly damage the outer layers of the skin.⁸ 

Beyond understanding the science of sun protection, it is also critical to examine how sunscreen-containing products are regulated and classified by federal agencies. 

Regulation and Limitations of SPF-infused Products

Because sunscreen ingredients can be incorporated into a variety of products, regulatory oversight plays an important role in informing consumers about their intended use and level of protection. According to the FDA, products labeled with sunscreen claims, like SPF number, are intended to protect consumers from sun exposure and are regulated as drugs. This is because sunscreens are intended to prevent, cure, treat, mitigate disease, or affect the structure or function of the body, which places them within the drug’s definition under the act.⁹ Therefore, products containing sunscreen ingredients, such as SPF-infused makeup, are considered both cosmetics and drugs. And these products must comply with federal regulations established in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).¹⁰ 

Although these SPF-infused products are convenient and easy to incorporate into a daily beauty routine, their SPF claim may provide a false sense of security. Users may assume these products provide protection comparable to traditional sunscreen, even though both products are used differently. Hence, regulatory approval does not guarantee the level of protection stated on its label. 

Difference in Application, Labeling, and Protection

The most significant difference between SPF-infused makeup and traditional sunscreen is how each product is designed, applied, and worn. Traditional sunscreen is intended to be applied generously and evenly over all exposed skin, providing consistent protection. In contrast, SPF-infused makeup is applied according to product type and the user’s aesthetic preference. For example, a lip balm with SPF is intended only for the lips, while a tinted moisturizer with SPF is usually applied lightly to the face to create a natural appearance. Hence, commonly exposed areas such as the neck, ears, and eyelids are left unprotected.

The eCFR also uses specific terminologies to describe different levels of sun protection. Products containing active ingredients that provide an SPF of 30 or higher may be labeled as “high sun protection product.” Products with an SPF of 12 to 30 may be labeled as “moderate sun protection product,” while products with an SPF of 2 to 12 may be labeled as “minimal” or “minimum sun protection products.” Additionally, warning labels or directions for use are not required for products marketed as lip protectant or lipstick that contain active sunscreen ingredients.¹¹ These differences highlight that not all SPF-infused makeup products are designed to provide the same level of protection. Therefore, the SPF value may also be unclear to users who do not realize the regulatory differences and how much product must be applied to achieve the labeled sun protection. 

Sunscreen is tested at a dose of roughly 2 milligrams of product per square centimeter of skin. In simpler terms, this is often described as 2 teaspoons or the 2-fingers method - consisting of the index and middle fingers - for the face. However, makeup users typically apply much smaller amounts, such as one to 2 pumps or roughly a dime-sized amount, to cover the face and neck.^12,13 

Michelle Wong, PhD, a chemist at Lab Muffin Beauty Science, demonstrated this issue by estimating how much SPF-infused foundation would be required to achieve the protection listed on the product label based on the surface area of her face. Her results showed that approximately 13 pumps of foundation would be required to reach the labeled SPF. This result also applies to products like beauty balm (BB) cream, color control (CC) cream, and powder foundation.^12,14 Applying this amount of makeup is unrealistic for most users. For most, 1 or 2 pumps is sufficient. Applying more can create a heavy and/or unnatural appearance. Additionally, makeup is commonly applied once and worn throughout the day without reapplication. This practice conflicts with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)’s recommendation to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.¹²

The Supportive Role of SPF-infused Makeup and Recommended Sunscreen Practices 

Despite these limitations, SPF-infused makeup can still play a beneficial role in a broader sun-protection strategy. These products may be useful when incorporated alongside other evidence-based sun protection measures, as it encourages users to become more mindful of sun safety habits. 

Current dermatology guidelines recommend using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as the foundation of effective UV protection. It should be applied 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied after every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.¹⁵ It should also be applied to all exposed areas not covered by clothing or hair. Spray sunscreen may be useful for areas that are harder to reach. Tinted sunscreens are beneficial because they contain iron oxide, which provide protection against the development of dark spots. Once sunscreen has been applied and set, additional topical products, such as SPF-infused makeup products or other cosmetics, can be layered on top.¹² 

Sophia Tam is a fourth-year PharmD Candidate at Touro College of Pharmacy with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and psychology and professional interests in dermatology and cosmetics.

Andrew Fuchs, PharmD, RPHI, BCGP, is the Director of Practice Experience and an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Touro College of Pharmacy.

References

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2. Weaver K, Pacchia M, Hudson S. State of beauty 2025: solving a shifting growth puzzle. McKinsey & Company. Published June 9, 2025. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/state-of-beauty
3. Makeup. US Food and Drug Administration. 2020. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/makeup
4. Skinimalism: less is more. Health Center by Mount Sinai. July 21, 2022. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://hc.mountsinai.org/skinimalism-less-is-more/
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6. Sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation. March 8, 2019. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
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8. Venosa A. Breaking down broad-spectrum protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation. June 28, 2018. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/broad-spectrum-protection-sunscreen/
9. Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21, part 700, subpart B, §700.35: labeling of cosmetic products in violation of federal, state, or local law. eCFR. Updated July 8, 2026. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-700/subpart-B/section-700.35
10. Understanding the eCFR. eCFR. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.ecfr.gov/reader-aids/understanding-the-ecfr/what-is-the-ecfr
11. Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21, part 352, subpart C, §352.52: labeling of specific active ingredients. eCFR. Updated July 8, 2026. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-352/subpart-C/section-352.52
12. Lorre RM. The problem with SPF makeup (and how to solve it). The New York Times. June 12, 2025. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/problems-with-spf-makeup/
13. Ask the expert: how much sunscreen should I be using on my face and body? The Skin Cancer Foundation. February 20, 2019. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-much-sunscreen-should-i-be-using-on-my-face-and-body/
14. About Michelle. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. Accessed July 9, 2026. https://labmuffin.com/about-michelle/
15. How to apply sunscreen. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 2024. Accessed September 11, 2026. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen