Which Is Better SPF 30 or SPF 50?

If you’ve ever stood in the sunscreen aisle wondering whether SPF 30 is enough or if you should always choose SPF 50, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common sun-safety questions Australians ask, and for good reason.

Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and our skin cancer rates reflect that. When it comes to sunscreen, choosing the right SPF isn’t about trends or marketing, it’s about evidence, real-world use, and Australian sun-safety standards.

What Does SPF Mean — and What Is Broad-Spectrum?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the type of ultraviolet radiation responsible for sunburn. A higher SPF means a higher level of UVB protection when the sunscreen is applied correctly and generously

Broad-spectrum indicates that a sunscreen has been tested and proven to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. This is the most common and most important sunscreen label used in Australia. While UVB rays cause burning, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature ageing and increased skin cancer risk.

In Australia, choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential.

SPF 30 vs SPF 50: What’s the Difference?

Under laboratory testing conditions:

• SPF 30 filters approximately 96–97% of UVB rays

• SPF 50 filters approximately 98% of UVB rays

On paper, that difference may appear small. But in real-world use, especially in Australia’s harsh UV environment it becomes more meaningful.

Most people:

• Apply less sunscreen than recommended

• Miss areas like ears, neck, and hairlines

• Forget to reapply often enough

Because SPF 50 starts at a higher level of protection, it offers a greater margin for error when sunscreen isn’t applied sufficiently. This is one of the key reasons Australian health authorities generally recommend a broard spectrum SPF 50 or SPF 50+ for everyday use.

What Do Australian Authorities Recommend?

In Australia, sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), ensuring products meet strict standards for safety, SPF testing, and broad-spectrum protection.

Public health guidance is led by organisations such as Cancer Council Australia and SunSmart.

Current Australian advice:

• Generally recommends SPF 50 or SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen

• Emphasises generous application

• Recommends reapplying every two hours, or more often after swimming, towel drying or sweating

• Reinforces that sunscreen should be used alongside other sun-protection measures, such as covered clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade

SPF 30 is not unsafe or ineffective. However, SPF 50 is the preferred option whenever possible, particularly in Australia’s high-UV conditions.

Why SPF Alone Isn’t Enough

One of the biggest sunscreen misconceptions is that a higher SPF means you can apply less or skip reapplication. Unfortunately, that’s not how sunscreen works.

Common sunscreen mistakes include:

• Not applying enough product

• Forgetting to reapply regularly
  

• Missing commonly exposed or tricky areas such as the ears and neck

Even the best sunscreen won’t work properly if it isn’t applied thickly, evenly, and consistently.

Where SUNNYBOD™ Fits In

SUNNYBOD™ doesn’t sell sunscreen and that’s intentional.

Our focus is on helping families use sunscreen properly, because correct application and reapplication play a critical role in how well sunscreen performs.

The SUNNYBOD's refillable sunscreen applicator brush is designed to:

• Make sunscreen easier to apply 

• Help people apply sunscreen, especially on tricky areas such as the ears, face and around the eyes

• Reduce resistance from kids ( and adults) who dislike greasy hands 

• Support regular reapplication

• Work well with liquid sunscreen formulas, including thick formulas and those for sensitive skin

It’s not about replacing sunscreen, it’s about making good sun-safety habits easier to stick to in everyday life.

So, Which Is Better: SPF 30 or SPF 50?

Based on current Australian evidence and public health recommendations:

A broad spectrum SPF 50 is the recommended choice for most people in Australia.

That said:

• SPF 30 still offers protection when used correctly

• SPF 50 provides an extra safety buffer in real-world conditions

• No sunscreen works without correct application and reapplication

The best sunscreen is one that is:

• Broad-spectrum

• SPF 50 or SPF 50+ when available

• Applied generously

• Reapplied regularly

• create a routine that make sunscreen easy and consistent

   

Because when sun protection fits into everyday life, it’s far more likely to happen and that’s what supports better sun-protection habits in the long run ☀️

Ready to Make Sunscreen Easier?

Explore our refillable sunscreen applicators, designed to support simple, positive, and repeatable sunscreen routines as part of everyday sun-safe habits for busy families everywhere.

👉 Shop SUNSCREEN APPLICATORS
https://www.sunnybod.com/collections/all

Disclaimer:
This information is provided for general guidance only and is not intended to replace medical or professional advice. Always follow sun safety recommendations issued by your local health authorities, and consult your family doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about sunscreen use, skin sensitivities, or individual needs.

References

1. Cancer Council Australia. About sunscreen.
   https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen

2. Cancer Council Australia. Sunscreen FAQs.
   https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen/sunscreen-faqs

3. Cancer Council Australia. Be SunSmart.
   https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart

4. SunSmart Australia (Cancer Council Victoria). SPF 50 sunscreen recommendations – FAQs.
   https://www.sunsmart.com.au/advice-for/schools-early-childhood/sunscreen-spf-recommendations-faqs

5. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Sunscreen regulation in Australia.
   https://www.tga.gov.au/products/medicines/sunscreens

6. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Australian regulatory guidelines for sunscreens.
   https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/resource/guidance/australian-regulatory-guidelines-sunscreens