A TikTok video of a woman applying SPF has gone viral. With half a million views and counting, you’d be forgiven for feeling confused. The content isn’t exactly riveting - at least at first glance. The creator in question, Caroline, is applying a thick layer of sunscreen. But there’s a reason viewers aren’t scrolling on by. The SPF she uses in the video has caused something of an online frenzy. Enter the Eucerin Sun Actinic Control MD Sunscreen for Face & Body which boasts a whopping SPF 100. ‘Wait, what?’ wrote one, ‘I didn’t know SPF100 was even a thing,’ while another typed ‘What! I NEED an SPF 100.’ In a world that has become more mindful of the perils of sun-damage, it's easy to assume that the higher the SPF value, the better it is for our skin. So, should we all be ditching our go-to SPF 50 creams and reaching for SPF 100 instead? Here, experts weigh in.
Let’s begin with the basics. SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor.’ According to Nivea, this is ‘a relative measurement for the amount of time the sunscreen will protect the skin from UV (ultraviolet) rays.’ There are also different types of ultraviolet rays to consider - UVA and UVB. And if an SPF protects against both (like Eucerin’s) it is described as ‘broad spectrum’ protection. We should all be making a play for broad spectrum protection when it comes to our sunscreens.
So what does the SPF value signify? ‘SPF 100 blocks around 99% of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks around 98% and SPF 30 blocks around 97%,’ explainsDr. Sonia Khorana, a GP with a special interest in dermatology.’ The higher the SPF, the higher the percentage of UVB rays it will block.
‘Keep in mind the fact that SPF 100 blocks about 1% more UVB than SPF 50,’ adds Dr. Khorana. ‘This isn’t much. In my professional opinion, application technique matters so much more than the number of the SPF itself. We know a lot of people do not use the correct amount and do not reapply, which makes the levels of protection totally unreliable in the first place.’
The NHS suggest adults should aim to apply around 6 to 8 teaspoons of sunscreen for the entire body. This should be applied twice if you’re planning on being in the sun long enough that burning is a possibility. Apply it 30 minutes before going out into the sun and again, just before. And, as per Dr. Khorana’s advice, applying liberally and frequently is key - reapply your sunscreen every two hours and always after swimming. Interestingly, the NHS does say that If you're worried you might not be applying enough SPF, then you can consider using a sunscreen with a higher SPF.
So where does Dr. Khorana stand on SPF 100? ‘SPF 100 is also a great option for high-risk skin types or clinical situations,’ she says. And Sarah Chapman, founder of the Sarah Chapman Clinic agrees. 'Some doctors may recommend SPF 100 for anyone who has a tendency to develop skin cancers.' In her TikTok video, Caroline mentions she uses Eucerin SPF100 as per a dermatologist recommendation. For the average person, however, regular, thorough application of a broad spectrum SPF 50, paired with sensible levels of sun exposure should do the job - 'just make sure you apply SPF 50 fully and regularly,' affirms Chapman. The key is liking your SPF. Whether an SPF 50 or an SPF 100, the more you rate the texture and feel of your broad spectrum SPF, the more you'll apply.
Shop: Eucerin Sun Actinic Control MD Sun Cream for Face & Body SPF100
Eucerin say: This is a certified medical device with SPF 100 UVB and UVA protection that prevents actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer. It has a light texture for everyday use.
Pros
- Broad spectrum protection
Cons
- Many reviewers say it leaves a white cast
Dr. Angela Tewari – Consultant Dermatologist at <a href="https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcahealthcare.co.uk%2Flocations%2Fhospitals%2Fthe-lister-hospital&data=05%7C02%7Crachael.martin%40bauermedia.co.uk%7C488295f9763e4f69c15408dd7822288f%7C0e79f3f34eeb48ed815e2876c379e863%7C0%7C0%7C638798810308235585%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wOOMWP9WddPW%2Bkq%2F6SwSOfS3qS2NWHNgpY9hOWUt%2FsE%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Lister</a> <a href="https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcahealthcare.co.uk%2Flocations%2Fhospitals%2Fthe-lister-hospital&data=05%7C02%7Crachael.martin%40bauermedia.co.uk%7C488295f9763e4f69c15408dd7822288f%7C0e79f3f34eeb48ed815e2876c379e863%7C0%7C0%7C638798810308235585%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wOOMWP9WddPW%2Bkq%2F6SwSOfS3qS2NWHNgpY9hOWUt%2FsE%3D&reserved=0">Hospital</a> answers SPF 100 questions
What is factor 100? Do we really need it?
SPF 100 (Sun Protection Factor 100) is a very high-protection sunscreen that theoretically gives you markedly more protection in the UVB and UVA ranges however the increase in protection compared to lower SPFs is marginal — for example, SPF 50. Also in terms of aesthetically appropriate on the skin, SPF 100 will leave a thicker residue compared to protection from an SPF 50 to give it that extra protection so if you have darker skin for example it may not be something that you would find comfortable to use day to day.
What’s the difference between SPF 50 and SPF 100?
Studies show that if both are used correctly and a good teaspoon of application of each, then over a 5-day period of sunshine exposure on a beach the sunburn likelihood is 8 fold less (kohli et al jaad 2020). This is significant and thus the Eucerin SPF100 is classified as a medical device. There are certain patient groups that would benefit from this.
Who might benefit from SPF 100?
- Individuals with very fair skin, albinism.
- Those with a history of sun damage / previous skin cancers at very much sun-exposed sites and those that are immunosuppressive treatment.
- People spending prolonged periods in intense sun (e.g. skiing, sailing, or tropical destinations).
- It can serve as an extra layer of safety when meticulous reapplication isn’t guaranteed and also even if you have a thick layer/residue
Does SPF 100 have side effects?
SPF 100 itself doesn’t typically cause side effects beyond those of any sunscreen:
- Skin irritation or allergic reactions (usually due to fragrances or preservatives).
- Acne or clogged pores, especially with thick formulations.
- A false sense of security — users may skip reapplication or prolong sun exposure, undermining effectiveness.
- Choosing a broad-spectrum formula and reapplying every 2 hours remains crucial regardless of SPF level. I would prefer a SPF 30 to 50 with high UVA cover if you feel that you’d use it more frequently than SPF100.
Main image credit: TikTok @caroline.shops
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.
