What Are the Downsides of High SPF? The Science of Sunscreen | Rysun

Is higher SPF always better? Discover the downsides of high SPF, including skin irritation and the "false security" trap, backed by Rysun’s R&D expertise and quality standards.

What Are the Downsides of High SPF? Why "More" Isn't Always "Better"

Introduction

In 2014, our founder, Ivy Wong, set out to bridge the gap between marketing hype and actual skincare quality after consulting with Swiss anti-aging experts. At Guangzhou Rysun Biotechnology, we believe that "Practical Solutions" are better than "Marketing Gimmicks."

Many consumers assume that an SPF 100 bottle is twice as good as SPF 50. However, our Research Institute—staffed by 20+ leading doctors and professors—has identified several significant downsides of high SPF that every brand and consumer should understand.

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1. The "False Sense of Security" Trap

Perhaps the most dangerous downside is behavioral.

• The Issue: People using SPF 100 often feel "invincible," leading them to stay in the sun longer, skip reapplication, or ignore the need for shade.
• The Reality: High SPF only measures UVB protection (burning), not how long the product lasts. Whether it’s SPF 30 or SPF 100, the product still breaks down under UV light and must be reapplied every 2 hours.

2. Increased Risk of Skin Irritation

To achieve an ultra-high SPF rating, chemists must pack the formula with a much higher concentration of chemical UV filters (such as oxybenzone or avobenzone).

• The Downside: These high concentrations are more likely to cause skin sensitivities, allergic reactions, or "stinging" on the face.
• Rysun’s Quality Approach: Because we implement 50 inspection procedures per product, we often find that a balanced SPF 30 or 50 provides a much safer user experience for sensitive skin while still blocking 97-98% of UV rays.

3. The Diminishing Returns of Protection

The math of SPF is often misunderstood.

• SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays.
• SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.
• SPF 100 blocks 99% of UVB rays.
  The jump from 50 to 100 only provides a 1% increase in protection, but requires nearly double the chemical load. At Rysun, with our 253 intellectual properties, we focus on optimizing the stability of that 98% rather than chasing the final 1% at the expense of skin health.

4. Compromised "Cosmetic Elegance"

High SPF formulations are notoriously difficult to make "pleasant."

• The Downside: They are often thicker, greasier, and more likely to leave a white cast or clog pores (comedogenic).
• Rysun’s Solution: We utilize our 105 product patterns to create lightweight, "Swiss-inspired" anti-aging sunblocks that people actually want to wear every day. A lower SPF that is worn daily is far more effective than a high SPF that is left on the shelf because it feels heavy.

5. The UVA/UVB Imbalance

Many high-SPF products focus heavily on UVB (the burn) but may lack proportional protection against UVA (the aging ray).

• If a product has an SPF of 100 but low UVA protection, the skin may not burn, but it is still suffering from deep-tissue DNA damage and premature aging—the very thing Ivy Wong founded Rysun to prevent.

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Why Partner with Rysun for Sun Care?

With over 10 years of experience and 700+ brand partnerships, Rysun Biotechnology understands the nuances of sun care. We don't just manufacture; we research.

• Expert Vetting: Our team of experts in biology and pharmacology ensures every formula is balanced.
• Global Reach: Exporting to 50+ countries means we know how to meet international safety standards without relying on high-SPF gimmicks.

• Rigorous Testing: Our 50 inspection procedures ensure that every batch is stable, safe, and effective.

FAQs

Q1: Is SPF 50 enough for a full day at the beach?
A: Yes, provided you apply the correct amount and reapply every 2 hours. SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays, which is more than sufficient for most skin types under intense sun.

Q2: Does high SPF cause more acne?
A: It can. The higher concentration of filters and the thicker "carriers" needed to hold those filters can block pores. Rysun specializes in "Practical Solutions" that are non-comedogenic and breathable.

Q3: Why did Rysun mention Swiss anti-aging experts?
A: Our founder, Ivy Wong, realized through these experts that sun protection is the #1 anti-aging tool. However, that protection must be high-quality and consistent, not just a high number on a label.

Q4: Can I trust a high SPF if it passes Rysun’s 50-step inspection?
A: Absolutely. If we manufacture a high-SPF product, it has been rigorously tested for stability and safety. However, we always educate our partners on the importance of broad-spectrum balance over high numbers alone.