Close-up of rich, dark brown woodgrain texture used as the background pattern for Sun Bum SPF 15 sunscreen packaging.

Original SPF 15 Sunscreen

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on a bottle of sunscreen indicates the level of protection we're getting from the sun's UVB rays—which are the sun rays most commonly responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays.

4 products

We've Got Answers

Is SPF 15 Sunscreen Enough?

SPF 15 sunscreen blocks around 93 percent of UVB rays, which might be enough for quick outdoor moments like walking to your car or grabbing a smoothie. But if you’re spending more time in the sun, have fair or sensitive skin, or just want extra peace of mind, most experts recommend going with SPF 30 or higher. The real key is how you use it. Make sure to apply a good layer, reapply every couple of hours, and stay on top of it if you’re swimming or sweating. Sunscreen only works if it’s actually on your skin.

Can You Still Tan With SPF 15?

Yep, you can still get a tan while wearing SPF 15 sunscreen. It blocks most UVB rays but not all of them. Just remember, any tan means your skin is already reacting to sun damage. SPF 15 might slow things down, but it doesn’t stop it completely. So if you’re planning to be out in the sun for a while, you might want to bump up the protection and still reapply like your skin depends on it.

How Many Hours Does SPF 15 Last?

SPF 15 sunscreen usually gives you about 80 minutes of protection before it starts to wear off. That time can be even shorter if you’re swimming, sweating, or wiping your face with a towel. And just so you know, even higher SPFs need to be reapplied just as often.So no matter what number you’re using, the key is to put on a good layer and reapply every 80 minutes. Your skin’s working hard out there, and a fresh coat goes a long way to keep it feeling good.