Frequently Asked Questions
Do higher concentrations of UV filters equate to better UV protection?
No, a higher percentage of any individual sunscreen filter—such as the buzzy, newly-approved BEMT—doesn’t automatically mean better protection. “Protection comes from the whole formula, not from any single filter on the label,” says Dr. Yoo. “Also remember that SPF only measures UVB protection, the rays behind sunburn. UVA protection, which drives much of skin aging and pigment, is what the ‘broad spectrum’ claim tells you, and both come from testing the finished product.”
Another factor to consider: Chemical UV filters are almost always one of multiple actives—yet more reasoning to look at each formula holistically. “BEMT, for example, covers both UVB and UVA, but it also helps keep other filters like avobenzone from breaking down in sunlight,” Dr. Yoo explains. “So a formula with 2% BEMT and a well-matched set of other filters can protect as well as one with 6% BEMT and a weaker supporting cast.” (Important context: The FDA only allows a maximum BEMT concentration of 6% in the US, while Europe allows up to 10%.)
While we’re discussing percentages, Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist, had this to say about BEMT: “Unlike older filters that often require high concentrations to achieve adequate SPF, BEMT allows chemists to use lower overall levels of actives while still meeting high SPF and UVA protection targets.” Therefore, comparing BEMT against other UV filters across different products/formulas is basically a moot point.
So, what really matters when it comes to effective UV protection? “What tells you more is the SPF number, the words ‘broad spectrum,’ water resistance if you’re sweating or swimming, and whether you like the texture enough to apply a generous layer and reapply every two hours.” As any dermatologist, beauty editor, or well-informed friend will tell you, the best sunscreen is one you’ll actually use every day.
Meet the experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York City
- Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks based in Boca Raton, Florida
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
How our staff tests and reviews products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best La Roche-Posay sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Meet our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
SPF is the last step of your daytime skin-care routine—but what about the rest? Scroll through more recommendations:
