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Testing Sunscreen: Which SPF Really Works?

Jul 18, 2024 · 488K views · 3K likes · 12 comments · 57 shares

Video link

AI Search Summary

This OneSkin partner video shows a creator-run sunscreen/SPF experiment comparing OneSkin Body SPF with a cheaper store-brand mineral sunscreen, both labeled SPF 30 and zinc-oxide based. The test uses a UV light/camera, a UV meter, plexiglass plates, and measured sunscreen thickness, while also discussing formulation, white cast, antioxidants, and OneSkin’s OS-1 peptide. This should be read as a sponsored demonstration, not an independent laboratory SPF certification.

  • Main question: Which SPF 30 mineral sunscreen performed better in the creator’s UV test?
  • Short answer / core takeaway: In the creator’s plate test, OneSkin reduced measured UV transmission more than the store-brand sunscreen and looked less white on skin, but this does not replace standardized SPF testing.
  • Evidence type: Sponsored creator experiment, UV meter demonstration, mineral sunscreen formulation discussion, and ingredient DOI appendix.
  • Search topics: OneSkin sunscreen test, SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide white cast, UV camera sunscreen, sunscreen formulation, OS-1 peptide.

Common Search Questions

What sunscreens were compared?

The creator compared OneSkin Body SPF with a cheaper store-brand sunscreen. Both were SPF 30 and zinc-oxide based.

What did the creator test?

The test measured UV transmission through sunscreen applied between plexiglass plates at an SPF-test thickness of 2 mg/cm2, then also compared the sunscreens visually on skin using a UV camera and normal light.

Did OneSkin perform better in the test?

In the creator’s experiment, the store brand reduced the UV meter reading from 120 to 25, while OneSkin reduced it to 1.3. The creator also preferred OneSkin’s lower white cast and smoother absorption.

Is this an official SPF test?

No. The page should be interpreted as a sponsored creator demonstration with measurement limitations, not an independent standardized SPF validation.

What ingredient research was included?

The caption/source notes included DOI references for ingredients such as Helianthus, acerola, green tea, and safflower oil. Those are preserved in References.

Key Takeaways

  • Sunscreen effectiveness depends on more than the active ingredient; formulation matters.
  • Mineral sunscreens can differ in UV blocking, spread, and white cast.
  • The creator’s bench test found a stronger UV reduction for OneSkin than for the store brand.
  • Error margins include evenness and quantity of sunscreen between plates, and real skin application is usually messier.
  • This was a #OneSkinPartner video with a discount code, so sponsorship context should stay visible.

Transcript

The sponsored experiment setup

Science time. Let’s test some sunscreen and see if it is actually as good as it says on the label.

When a brand asks me to do a video, I respond with: only if you are up for a science experiment. This one required some new gadgets and turned up some surprises.

I decided to test OneSkin Body SPF against the cheaper store-brand one, both SPF 30 and zinc oxide based.

Why formulation matters

When it comes to sunscreen effectiveness, it is not just about the active ingredient. Especially with mineral sunscreens, which I prefer because I have sensitive skin, it is all about how they are formulated and what else they are packaged with.

This is a combo UV light and camera, which shows all the skin UV damage from my misspent youth. This is a fancy UV meter, which measures the initial strength at 500 microwatts per centimeter squared, cut to 120 when shining through two plexiglass plates.

Plate test results

SPF is calculated at a thickness of 2 milligrams per centimeter squared, so we measure that out for each sunscreen and mush it between the plates.

The store brand dropped the UV from 120 to 25, only a five-fold reduction, which is below its official rating.

For the OneSkin, it dropped down to 1.3, a 92-fold reduction. There are some error margins in terms of evenness and quantity on the plates, but probably less so than when applying it to the skin.

UV camera and white cast

This is the UV camera showing my face with all its spotting and damage.

This is me coating one half with 2 mg/cm2 of OneSkin Body SPF. It absorbs almost all the UV light, producing a deep black. The store brand produces a noticeably lighter shade.

In normal light, the store brand leaves an annoying white cast on my skin, which is common with cheaper zinc oxide sunscreens, while the OneSkin absorbs smoothly.

Final verdict and sponsorship context

OneSkin is packaged with added antioxidants and their OS-1 peptide, each with some research suggesting they could help the skin heal from UV damage that does occur.

Final verdict: yes, there are cheaper sunscreens that will protect you from the sun. But if you are looking to upgrade your mineral sunscreen to one that is well formulated, does not leave a white cast, and acts as a combo sunscreen plus high-end moisturizer, OneSkin Body plus Face SPF are a solid choice.

Use code AVISHA15 for 15% off.

Additional Notes

Caption context

This was a #OneSkinPartner video. The source caption says the video was made after testing, notes PA+++ broad-spectrum and water-resistant claims, and lists ingredient research for Helianthus, acerola, green tea, and safflower oil.

Method limitation

This was a creator-run demonstration using a UV meter, UV camera, and plexiglass plates. It should not be treated as a formal independent SPF laboratory test.

Keywords and topics

  • OneSkin sunscreen
  • Mineral sunscreen
  • Zinc oxide
  • SPF 30
  • UV camera
  • White cast
  • Sponsored skincare test

References