What Is Broad Spectrum Spf? - Dermalogica

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What is broad spectrum spf? 05/01/2025 / Last Edited 05/30/2025

Author: Tara Vasquez

We’ve all heard the term “Broad Spectrum SPF,” but what does it really mean? Dive into the details and get the facts.

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We’ve all heard the term “Broad Spectrum SPF,” but what does it really mean? Dive into the details and get the facts.

Do endless sunscreen options leave you burnt out? The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) is cracking down to regulate testing and labeling – all to make it easier to choose the best sun protection to protect against your skin’s worst enemy.

These new regulations correspond with improvements made to Dermalogica’s Daylight Defense – meaning your favorite SPF products deliver even more sun protection and skin care benefits!

Micro-encapsulation delivers the ultimate defense

UV Smart Booster Technology: Research shows that antioxidant vitamins are as important as sunscreens when defending the skin from damaging UV rays and free radicals. Daylight Defense products contain this technology, allowing for increased antioxidant protection against UV rays. Antioxidants like Vitamin C help the skin defend itself against stressors by neutralizing damaging molecules to help prevent future damage.

The latest scientific research shows that Vitamin C can actually help enhance skin’s natural defense system - helping it to defend itself from harmful oxidative stress. One of our newest sunscreens...BioLumin-C Heat Aging Protector SPF 50 acts as the ultimate daytime defense, combining ultra-stable Vitamin C, Broad Spectrum SPF, and an innovative ThermaRadiance Complex.

Oleosome Technology: these moisture-rich spheres allow for increased SPF performance of a product while using fewer chemical sunscreens, resulting in a product that is even more wearable and even less likely to cause sensitivity. (Featured in Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50).

Dermalogica and broad spectrum defense

Only sunscreens that pass the FDA’s Broad Spectrum test (providing proportional protection against UVA and UVB rays) may be labeled as “Broad Spectrum.”

All Dermalogica products containing SPF have been sent to independent laboratories to verify our “Broad Spectrum” status. Meet the improved Daylight Defense products:

BioLumin-C Heat Aging Protector SPF 50

• Immediately brightens, hydrates, and soothes skin
• Helps defend against heat aging and improves the look of skin texture + tone
• Helps protect against UV rays to prevent early skin aging

Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

• Provides long-lasting hydration and critical protection against UV light
• Helps control the triggers that lead to skin aging
• Blends smoothly into skin for a perfected finish

At A Glance What It Is

Sunscreen is essential–so is knowing what kind of SPF you should wear. Learn how Broad Spectrum SPF works, why it’s good for your skin, and our favorite SPFs.

What It Does

Broad Spectrum SPF are effective because they protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Featured Products

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dynamic skin recovery spf50 moisturizer

hydrates and combats skin aging

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Fun Fact

Even with a high SPF value, if a sunscreen isn't broad spectrum, you won't be protected from all UVA rays.

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Tara Vasquez

Licensed Skin Therapist

Tara Vasquez is a licensed skin therapist with 19 years of industry experience and 14 years of dedicated service at Dermalogica. Starting her journey as an instructor, Tara has grown into the role of Senior Manager of Global Education, where she leads the development of brand curriculum and learning strategies that shape how Dermalogica educates professionals worldwide.

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