What SPF Should I Use? A Scientific Guide to Sun Protection Factors | Rysun Biotech

Confused by "What SPF should I use?" Experts recommend SPF 30-50. Learn why stability and broad-spectrum coverage matter more than the number, backed by Rysun Biotech’s Swiss-inspired R&D.

What SPF Should I Use? A Manufacturer’s Guide to the Numbers Game

Introduction
SPF 15, 30, 50, 100—walking down the sunscreen aisle involves navigating a maze of numbers. For consumers, the choice is overwhelming. For brand owners, choosing the right SPF level for your product line is a critical business decision. The question remains: "What SPF should I use?"

At Guangzhou Rysun Biotechnology, we view sun protection as the single most important step in any anti-aging routine. Founded in 2014 by Ivy Wong to combat the "inconsistent quality" of market products, and inspired by deep discussions with a Swiss anti-aging expert, we know that UV damage causes 90% of premature aging.

Backed by our Research Institute and 20 leading scientists, we are here to demystify the numbers. Here is the scientific guide to choosing the right SPF and why the quality of the filter matters more than the rating on the bottle.

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The Science: What the Number Actually Means

To answer "what SPF should I use," you must understand what SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures. It only measures protection against UVB rays (the rays that burn you).

• SPF 15: Blocks 93% of UVB rays.
• SPF 30: Blocks 97% of UVB rays.
• SPF 50: Blocks 98% of UVB rays.

While the difference between 97% and 98% seems small, for sensitive skin or long-term anti-aging, that 1% difference represents a significant amount of radiation over a lifetime.

The Recommendation: The "Golden Standard" (SPF 30 to 50)

For 90% of the population, our R&D team recommends SPF 30 to SPF 50.

• Why not SPF 15? It is insufficient for prolonged exposure. Rysun only recommends SPF 15 for secondary products like lip balms or foundation.
• Why SPF 50 is Safer: In a laboratory, SPF 30 is great. In real life, consumers apply sunscreen too thinly. By using SPF 50, you create a "safety buffer." Even if applied imperfectly, the user still receives high protection. This aligns with our mission to provide Practical Solutions that work in the real world.

Beyond the Number: The "Swiss Standard" of Protection

When you ask "what SPF should I use?", the number is only half the story. The other half is Broad Spectrum (UVA) Protection and Stability.

1. The Missing Link: UVA Protection (PA Rating)
SPF protects against burning (UVB), but UVA rays cause wrinkles and cancer.

• The Rysun Standard: Inspired by our Swiss anti-aging origins, we refuse to manufacture high-SPF products that don't also have high PA ratings (PA+++ or PA++++). We ensure your product protects against aging, not just burning.

2. Photostability (Does it degrade?)
A cheap SPF 50 can degrade into an SPF 10 after one hour in the sun.

• The Rysun Standard: We implement up to 50 inspection procedures. We test our sunscreens under intense UV simulators to ensure the filters remain stable and protective for the full duration of wear.

3. Texture Engineering
The best SPF is the one you actually wear. High SPF used to mean "sticky paste."

• The Rysun Standard: Leveraging our 105 product patterns, we use advanced dispersion technology (part of our 253 IPs) to create SPF 50+ formulations that feel like lightweight serums. This encourages daily use, which is the key to efficacy.

The Verdict: Choosing for Your Lifestyle

• Daily Office Use: SPF 30 is sufficient if it is broad-spectrum.
• Outdoor/Active Use: SPF 50+ is mandatory.
• Post-Procedure/Sensitive Skin: Mineral SPF 50. (Rysun specializes in non-nano Zinc Oxide formulas for this demographic).

Conclusion

So, what SPF should I use?
Aim for SPF 30 or higher, ensuring it is Broad Spectrum and Photostable.

At Rysun Biotechnology, we combine over 10 years of manufacturing excellence with Swiss-inspired precision. We create sunscreens that deliver high numbers without the heavy texture or instability issues of the past. Partner with us to manufacture a sun care line that offers true, verified protection.

FAQs

Q1: Is SPF 100 better than SPF 50?
A: Marginally. SPF 100 blocks 99% of rays compared to 98% for SPF 50. However, high-number SPFs often have heavier textures and can give consumers a false sense of security (leading them to skip reapplication). Rysun generally recommends SPF 50+ as the optimal balance.

Q2: How often do I need to reapply?
A: Regardless of the SPF number (30 or 50), the filters degrade or rub off. The global standard is every 2 hours.

Q3: Can Rysun verify the SPF rating of my product?
A: Yes. We coordinate independent clinical testing (in-vivo and in-vitro) to legally validate the SPF claim on your label, ensuring global compliance for the 50+ countries we export to.

Q4: Can I mix SPF into my moisturizer?
A: No. Mixing dilutes the formula and destroys the film-forming properties that make it work. Rysun can, however, manufacture a "Daily Moisturizer with SPF" where the chemistry is already balanced for you.