What to avoid when buying sunscreen?

When buying sunscreen, avoid products with an SPF below 30, no PA rating, or only SPF with no indication of UVA coverage. Be cautious of products that make claims that seem too good to be true, like SPF 200 or all-day protection without reapplication. Also avoid fragranced sunscreens if you have sensitive skin, as fragrance is a common irritant.

Key things to check on the label before buying: SPF 50 (not less), PA++++ for UVA coverage, and an expiry date. Sunscreen does degrade over time and an expired product may not deliver its labelled protection. If the ingredient list includes oxybenzone and you prefer to avoid chemical filters for any reason, mineral alternatives with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are widely available. Marketing language like natural or herbal on a sunscreen is not regulated and does not guarantee efficacy. Always look at the actual SPF and PA rating as the measure of protection.