SPF 30 Face Serum FAQ

What tests have been carried out on the SPF 30?
The ISO 24444:2019 in vivo evaluation of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) which shows our sunscreen is an SPF 30 
UVA Protection Factor was carried out through the  ISO 24443:2012 in vitro test.  To meet the UVA protection labelling requirements of ISO 24443:2012 the UVA-PF value must be at least ⅓ of the SPF value determined by the ISO 24444:2019 protocol. Ours achieved this and can carry the UVA Logo.
How often should I reapply this SPF?  
We recommend reapplying every 2 hours or after swimming, perspiring or towelling.  
 
How much SPF should I apply to my face? 
Most SPF specialists would recommend applying over half a teaspoon to face and neck. Or use the 2 finger rule. If you use less SPF than recommended, you significantly reduce the level of protection
 
Does your sunscreen have UVA protection? 
Yes, our SPF 30 Face Serum has UVA protection which is why you can find the UVA logo on the packaging, the test carried out was ISO 24443:2012 in vitro UVA study. 
 
Where should I apply SPF in my makeup/skincare routine? 
SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine and applied before makeup.  
 
What does SPF mean? 
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is used to measure the UVB protection that a sunscreen has. UVA protection is a separate thing to SPF, and should be indicated on the packaging if the product is protective against UVA rays, either with broad spectrum, the UVA Star Rating or the UVA roundel logo which is found on our SPF 30. 
The UK NHS recommends that the minimum SPF you should use is between 15-30
  • SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
  • SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
  • SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays
SPF demonstrates the amount of time you can stay in the sun without getting burnt, e.g. SPF 30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times the original duration that it would take you to burn. However, it’s important to note that this is impacted by factors like application and time of year. To read more about SPF read our blog here.  
 
What does UVA and UVB mean? 
UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn, which we can see and feel when we burn our skin. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are the rays that are responsible for premature skin ageing, sun damage, wrinkles.  
It is important to note that both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. 
 
What does broad spectrum mean?  
It means that it is protective against both UVA and UVB rays.  

 

What is the Boots star rating of your SPF? 
We haven’t carried out the required testing for the Boots Star Rating, so we are unable to comment on this, however we carried out ISO 24444:2019 in vivo static SPF testing and ISO 24443:2012 UVA PF testing which showed that our sunscreen is an SPF 30 and can carry the UVA “circle” logo and use the term broad spectrum protection. 

Is it a mineral or chemical SPF, and what’s the difference? 
This SPF 30 Face Serum is a chemical sunscreen, the benefits of chemical SPF is that you don’t get a white cast on your skin after applying, they’re ultra-lightweight and don’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy.  
 
Mineral sunscreens, work by blocking and reflecting UV rays, however it is important to note that they do also absorb UV radiation too. 
 
Chemical sunscreens work by filtering and absorbing UV rays, turning them into heat. By absorbing the rays it helps to protect your skin from damage. To read more about the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens read our blog here.  
 

Are you bringing out an SPF 50? 

Currently our range includes our SPF 30 Face Serum which is perfect for every day, all year-round high UVA and UVB Broad Spectrum protection. This is ideal to wear after moisturiser, 365 days of the year regardless of the weather conditions. They work well before makeup application with no pilling, and a primer-like consistency.   

Our SPF 30 Face Serum is a chemical sunscreen which means no white cast when applied. It is super lightweight and contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, and is palm oil free, certified Vegan and Cruelty Free and carries the UVA roundel logo. 

Do I need to apply SPF every 2 hours? 
As per the UK NHS guidelines, it is “recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin”.  As with any SPF you are using, unless they state otherwise it’s best to reapply throughout the day.  

Does it contain any fragrances? 
Our SPF is unscented as we know how sensitive some skin types can be, it is also dermatologically approved for sensitive skin.  
 
Is it safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding? 
Although there are no ingredients in the product that are considered unsafe to use during pregnancy, to be safe we recommend talking to your medical professional. 
 
Should I be using SPF daily? 
Yes! Every day that ends in a ‘Y’ we should be using sunscreen. Did you know that UVA that cause premature skin ageing can penetrate glass, and even on cloudy days can penetrate your skin? That’s why it’s important to apply sunscreen daily, and why we have created one that protects your skin but doesn’t feel sticky or cloying on the skin. It’s super lightweight and gives your skin a glow.  
 
Why is SPF important?  
We could make this answer super long (and we do have a blog that covers its importance here), but to keep it brief, UV rays over time slow down skin cell renewal and cause pigmentation, it also destroys collagen and elastin in the skin, causing premature skin ageing. However, even more significant is its increase in risk of developing skin cancer. In the UK over 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed yearly. With more than 4 out of 5 being preventable, and most cases of squamous and basal cell carcinoma have been linked to UV rays.  It is recommended to not stay too long in the sun, even while using sunscreen.
 
What SPF should I go for? 
It depends on what you want from your SPF and whether it suits your skin, whether that’s a chemical or mineral. No matter which one you pick, always aim for one that is broad spectrum offering both UVA and UVB protection and offers a 30 or higher protection. 
 
Is my sunscreen in my moisturiser or makeup enough? 
Although an SPF in a moisturiser is better than nothing, a separate one is better still. As there is a risk that the right amount will not be applied when it is in a moisturiser/cream/foundation, and you won’t get the same protective factor as what is on the packaging. Always check too that it offers both UVA and UVB protection. Don’t forget even in the winter, UV rays are just as harmful. 
 
Are there any other skin loving benefits in this SPF? 
Yes, we’ve included hyaluronic acid into our sunscreen which helps to support epidermal hydration (the epidermal layer is the thin outer layer of the skin). It helps to reduce oiliness through modulating sebum production, whilst improving skin texture and barrier function. By preventing water loss from the skin, it can help with the appearance of wrinkles and dehydration lines. 
 
Is Lucy Bee SPF 30 Face Serum water resistant or waterproof? 
No, it has been formulated for everyday living and is not water resistant.  
Don’t forget water resistant doesn’t mean it is waterproof (no sunscreen can claim this), instead, it means that the sunscreen is effective up to 40-80 minutes of swimming. It is still as important to reapply these after swimming or sweating, as you would with another sunscreen. Even with a high SPF or a water-resistant SPF it is important to make sure that you reapply it every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming. 
 
Is it coral reef safe?  
This sunscreen has been created for everyday living and has not been formulated to be water resistant and therefore we would not recommend using it when swimming. 
 
Can I buy this in Australia and New Zealand? 
Yes! Our SPF 30 has been tested (ISO 24443:2012 in vitro UVA study) to determine the broad-spectrum protection and can be sold in both Australia and New Zealand. 
 
Why can you not sell the SPF in the USA? 
SPF filters are considered a drug in the US which means we would require an FDA licence to produce it. The sun filters used in our product aren’t US compliant. 
 
Is this safe to use on children/teens?
Our SPF is suitable for teens to use and offers both UVA and UVB protection.
Why isn’t your SPF organic?  
Mineral sunscreens are physical filters that block UV radiation by forming a barrier. There are two mineral filters that are approved for cometic use, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. 
We wanted to create a lightweight SPF, that would sink into the skin with ease, not leave a sticky feeling and also not leave a white cast on the skin, which is something that a mineral SPF would do. 
Our sunscreen uses chemical sunscreens which work by absorbing UV radiation to provide SPF protection. The UV absorbing chemicals are made from synthetic materials, are not derived from natural sources. It is not possible to achieve certified organic status with the COSMOS Organic Cosmetic Standard.  
 
What is this formulated without? 
SPF 30 Face Serum does NOT contain: Palm oil (including derivatives of palm oil); Petroleum; Formaldehyde; PEGs; Sulphates; Artificial Dyes; Soy; Gluten; Parabens 

Does this have added fragrance?  
We’ve formulated this product with no added fragrance because we understand how sensitive some skin types can be. 
 
Does this product contain nuts? 
Our SPF30 Face Serum does not contain nuts. 
 
When should I do a patch test? 
When using any new product we recommend doing a patch test first. See here for how to patch test. 
 
What’s the packaging? 
Our SPF 30 Face Serum is: 
Glass bottle - recyclable 
Plastic pump and lid – dismantle to recycle 
FSC cardboard outer carton - recyclable 
FSC cardboard inner liner - recyclable 
 
Shop our SPF 30 Face Serum here.

About Lucy Bee

Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.

Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.

Back to blog

1 comment

Hi, loving this spf, its genuinely the nicest ive ever tried, but does it protect from blue light damage?

Emma Williams

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.