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SPF 15: Real-World Protection
Sunscreens have been under the microscope recently. And rightly so!
SPF 15 might sound modest—but Simplicité’s Great Outdoors Moisturiser with sunscreen might be your ideal sun protection. After all, what other sunscreen delivers broad spectrum, water-resistant protection—plus 16 therapeutic plant extracts that actively support skin health?
And if you think SPF 15 isn’t enough? Think again. Real-world protection depends on how sunscreen behaves once it's applied to skin.
Discover why SPF 15 might be your ideal choice for everyday sun care, and how our formula protects, feels beautiful to wear.
SPF 15 vs. Higher SPFs
When applied correctly, liberally and reapplied every two hours, SPF 15 offers comparable protection to higher-SPF products:
• SPF 15 filters ~93% of UVB rays
• SPF 30 filters ~97%
• SPF 50 filters ~98%
That’s only a 1–5% difference.
Reminder: All sunscreens—regardless of SPF—must be reapplied every two hours to maintain protection.
On their website under FAQs, the American Academy of Dermatology answers the question "Is a high-number SPF better than a low-number one?" by stating:
"It is also important to remember that high-number SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs. A high-number SPF does not allow you to spend additional time outdoors without reapplication."
It’s vital that we use the correct application technique and reapplication frequency.
SPF 15: Real-World Effective Sun Protection
SPF 15 might sound modest—but when applied correctly and reapplied every two hours, it offers surprisingly robust protection. In fact, SPF 15 filters about 93% of UVB rays, compared to 97% for SPF 30 and 98% for SPF 50. That’s only a 1–5% difference—especially relevant when you consider how sunscreen behaves in real-life conditions.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that one hour after application, SPF 15 continued absorbing UV more effectively than SPF 30 or 45. The researchers observed that the SPF 15 lotion maintained its UV-filtering performance longer, likely due to formulation differences and how the product interacted with skin over time.
This echoes what dermatologists and regulatory bodies have long emphasised: higher SPF numbers don’t mean longer-lasting protection. The American Academy of Dermatology reminds us that all sunscreens—regardless of SPF—must be reapplied every two hours to maintain efficacy.
So, if you’ve ever dismissed SPF 15 as “not enough,” it’s time to rethink. With correct application and reapplication, SPF 15 can be a smart, effective choice for daily sun care—especially when paired with a formula that feels beautiful on skin and supports overall skin health.
Real-Life SPF Performance
SPF 15 performs better than an SPF30 and SPF45 in a ‘real life’ situation.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found SPF 15 continued absorbing UV more effectively than SPF 30 or 45 after one hour. In a study published by the American Association for Cancer Research, (1) real life measurements were taken from a group of subjects one hour after sunscreens of varying SPFs were applied to their skin. After one hour the study showed that the SPF15 lotion continued to absorb the UV wavelength being measured.
The surprise was that the SPF15 was slightly more effective at absorbing UV than were the SPF 30 and 45.
Researchers at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago published a 2014 survey about sunscreens in JAMA Dermatology.
One of the researchers, Dr Roopal Kunka, a dermatologist, is quoted as saying:
"An SPF of 15 is not half as effective as an SPF 30. According to Kundu, SPF 15 filters about 93% of UV-B rays; SPF 30 filters about 97% of UV-B rays; and SPF 50 filters about 98% of UV-B rays."
• "Rather than being interpreted in relation to ‘burn times’, SPF numbers should be considered as relative values and used for comparative purposes only."
• "Sunscreens should be applied 15–30 min prior to sun exposure."
• "Sunscreens work best when evenly applied to the skin as a layer or film rather than being rubbed into the skin."
• "Then apply a second application at the time of exposure to elevate protective capability closer to that predicted by the labelled SPF."
Why Simplicité Chooses SPF 15
We formulate our Great Outdoors Moisturiser with sunscreen SPF 15 to deliver:
• Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB.
• Water resistance.
• Therapeutic plant extracts that actively support skin health.
• Lightweight, non-congesting texture that feels beautiful on your skin.
SPF 15 is ideal for most daily sun exposure situations.
It provides effective protection without the higher levels of sunscreening agents.
Why Simplicité Chooses SPF 15
Using sunscreen—and avoiding intense sun exposure—is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin. A well-formulated sunscreen should:
• Prevent sunburn, swelling, and long-term damage.
• Be gentle on sensitive skin.
• Deliver a pleasant sensory experience that encourages consistent use.
That’s why we focus on skin feel, apparent tolerability, and therapeutic benefit.
Sun Safety Guidelines for Natural Sunscreen
• Limit direct sun exposure—even when wearing sunscreen. No sunscreen offers 100% protection. Avoid prolonged UV exposure, especially during peak hours.
• Protect infants and young children from direct sunlight.
Use shade and protective clothing.
• Overexposure to UV radiation is a serious health risk.
• Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas. Under-application can reduce SPF effectiveness by up to 50%.
• Apply 15–30 minutes before sun exposure.
This allows emulsion-based formulas to settle properly on the skin.
• Reapply every two hours—or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towelling off.
This also applies to water-resistant sunscreen.
Our Ingredients; Protection with Benefits
Simplicité’s SPF 15 moisturiser isn’t just sun protection—it’s a skin treatment in disguise.
Each application delivers a therapeutic dose of 16 plant-based actives that help reduce sun damage and support skin health.
Some examples:
Calendula soothes inflammation and irritation.
Green Tea gives a positive effect on UV-induced free radicals.
Chamomile calms redness and sensitivity.
Rosehip supports regeneration and reduces photoageing.
Lavender is antibacterial and calming—ideal for sensitive skin.
Licorice Root brightens and reduces UV-related discoloration.
References
1. A controlled trial of objective measures of sunscreen and moisturizing lotion - PubMed
