Sunscreens, the best ten according to Yuka
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Yuka has selected the ten best sunscreens for the 2025 season. The French app – which allows you to instantly check the health and environmental impact of foods and cosmetics on the shelf, by simply scanning their barcodes via smartphone – has now achieved global success, with over 70 million subscribers.
The selection of sunscreens with the highest protection index available (50 and 50+ SPF), in different formats (lotion, spray, stick), demonstrates its great usefulness in identifying the most suitable products to protect the skin and health. Even more so considering that exposure to the sun's rays requires maximum caution.
The good and bad effect of solar rays
Exposure to the sun promotes the production of Serotonin with positive effects on mood and is notoriously associated with the production of vitamin D. However, if prolonged and without precautions it can translate into a health hazard.
All radiation solar are potentially harmful:
– infrared rays. Their (precious) warming effect can promote capillary dilation with negative effects on varicose veins and/or rosacea;
– visible light. High-energy blue-violet components can facilitate retinal macular degeneration. And it is therefore necessary to protect the lighter eyes with sunglasses especially;
– ultraviolet A rays (UVA). These radiations penetrate the skin deeply and accelerate the formation of wrinkles. In addition to being able to promote some skin tumors;
– ultraviolet B rays (UVB). UVB rays, although filtered by the ozone layer in the atmosphere, contribute to the production of vitamin D and are nevertheless responsible for skin burns. Excessive and reckless exposure promotes skin and eye cancers;
– ultraviolet rays of type C (UVC). UVC rays, even more dangerous, are blocked by the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
The 'hole' in the ozone layer has closed
40 years have passed since the discovery (16 May 1985) of the 'hole' in the ozone layer, which was actually a thinning of its layer over Antarctica.
The publication in Nature of the discovery by scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) generated an alarm that favoured the signature of the Montreal Protocol, in 1987. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), previously used in refrigerators, as well as in foams and solvents, were thus banned.
Thanks to the Montreal Treaty, and its responsible implementation by the international community, the 'hole' in the ozone layer appears to have closed.
Prevent damage from the sun's rays
The amount of solar radiation that passes through the planetary ozone filter always requires personal protection measures, especially in cases of prolonged exposure.
Hats with brims wide enough to shade the face, ears, and neck, and appropriate clothing when working long hours in the sun, are the rule.
In beach However, the entire body is exposed to radiation and specific protection is essential, especially when it is not possible to take shelter at least during the central hours of the day.
What is your phototype?
The choice of sunscreen must take into account some factors. The first is certainly the phototype belonging, which varies from the most sensitive profile to the damage of solar radiation to the most resistant. That is, from subjects with light and freckled skin, with light hair and eyes, to those with olive complexion, dark hair and irises.
The classification of phototype, that is, the skin's ability to produce melanin, acquire color and protect from UV rays, is divided into six profiles (according to the classification developed in 1975 by the dermatologist Fitzpatrick).
Chemical or physical filters
Regardless of the protection factor of the cosmetic, the core of the sunscreen recipe is the filter, which can be chemical or mineral.
The mineral filter (or inorganic) based on titanium dioxide or zinc oxide creates a barrier which reflects part of the sun's rays. It is known to be hypoallergenic and non-photosensitizing. Features that make it more suitable for people with reactive or atopic skin. The controversial aspect concerns the presence of minerals in the form of nanoparticles, whose effects on health and the environment are not defined.
The chemical filter (or organic) penetrates the skin where it absorbs ultraviolet rays. Some molecules (such as octocrylene, oxybenzone, octinoxate) are however issues, can have harmful effects on health (allergies, photosensitization, endocrine disruption) and on the environment.
Other ingredients, such as silicones and perfumes, can also be harmful. All of these are components that the Yuka app evaluates in its product evaluation.
The ten best sunscreens
Remembering that sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before to expose yourself to the sun and renewed every two hours (especially after bathing) and which in any case represents an aid to be combined with attention and common sense, here are the ten best sunscreens selected by Yuka.
Marta Strinati
References
– AIRC. The sun https://www.airc.it/cancro/prevenzione-tumore/il-sole
– Daniela Fassini. The hole in the ozone layer turns 40. And it’s almost gone. Avvenire. 16.5.2025 https://www.avvenire.it/economia/pagine/buco-nell-ozono-quarant-anni
– IDE, European Dermatological Institute. Phototype. https://www.ide.it/patologie/fototipo/
– Yuka. The ten best sunscreens. https://yuka.io/it/tops/creme-solari/
