If you’ve ever picked up a bottle of sunscreen and wondered what all the numbers and symbols really mean, you’re not alone. Understanding SPF, UVA indicators and why they matter can help you make informed choices about sun protection for your skin and your family.

At Ultrasun, we believe that informed customers make the best decisions and that starts with clear, easy-to-understand information on every tube and bottle. 

What does SPF really mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it’s one of the first things most of us notice on sun care packaging. This number tells you how well a product protects your skin from UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and contribute to skin damage. 

In simple terms:

• Higher SPF = more UVB protection
• An SPF number like 30 means you’re protected against many of the UVB rays that cause reddening and burning  but sunscreen is not a license to stay in the sun longer without care. We do recommend taking regular shade breaks, covering up in the hottest part of the day as well as considering your skin type, the sun conditions and the level of protection chosen. We recommend if you’re going to be out in the sun for longer or in extreme sun conditions that you either use a higher SPF or reduce your sun exposure time. 

Why UVA protection matters

While SPF focuses on UVB, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked with premature ageing, pigmentation changes and longer-term skin damage. Because UVA doesn’t always cause noticeable burning, you might not see the effect, but your skin feels it over time. 

To help you identify products with good UVA defence, sunscreen packaging often includes the UVA symbol — the letters “UVA” inside a circle. This is an EU-recommended marking that tells you the product meets minimum standards of UVA protection relative to its SPF value. 

Understanding the star rating system

You might sometimes see sunscreens (especially in the UK) with a star rating for UVA protection. This system, developed by British retailers, gives a star score based on how well a sunscreen absorbs UVA relative to UVB protection. More stars signal more balanced protection. 

However, the star rating doesn’t replace looking for the UVA circle symbol it’s just another way to understand protection levels and can vary between products, whereas the circle logo meets official EU requirements. 

Look for “Broad Spectrum” protection

When a product says “broad spectrum”, it means it’s designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays and that’s exactly what you want from everyday sun care. SPF addresses UVB, while the UVA circular logo and balanced formulation ensure you’re also defended from UVA rays. 

How Ultrasun does sun protection differently

At Ultrasun, we take sun protection seriously and that’s reflected in the science inside every product.

Lamellar Technology: Our formulas use advanced lamellar sun protection technology that mimics the skin’s natural structure for smooth, even coverage and long-lasting protection throughout your day with no greasy feel and no white cast. 

UVA Circle Logo: Every Ultrasun product that carries the UVA in a circle symbol meets or exceeds the European recommendation for UVA defence a reassuring badge of balanced protection you can trust. You'll see on all our packaging that is clearly states the individual product UVA filter absorbance percentage. Ultrasun delivers a long-lasting UVA filter that protects at over 85% absorbance throughout the day, setting industry leading standards.

Tailored Options: From high SPF daily wear to sport-ready and sensitive skin formulas, we match high performance with skin-friendly ingredients you’ll love to use whether at the beach, the playground or your everyday routine. 

Your skin, better protected

Sun care can feel overwhelming, but reading the label doesn’t have to be. Look for SPF numbers that work with your skin type and environment, the UVA circle symbol for balanced protection and, if you see a star rating, use it as a helpful extra guide. Together with smart sun habits (shade, re-application and coverage), good sunscreen keeps your skin healthier for longer.