About SPF List
Last updated July 14, 2026
SPF List is an independent reference site that compiles laboratory-measured SPF values for natural oils, mineral sunscreens, and conventional UV filters — sourced exclusively from studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Why this site exists
SPF claims for natural oils circulate widely on social media, often traced to misread studies — a laboratory transmission measurement gets repeated as a proven SPF 50, and people skip real sun protection because of it. We started by collecting what the research actually says about natural oils, then expanded to mineral and conventional sunscreens so the numbers can be compared in one place.
Methodology
What we include
- SPF values measured in studies published in peer-reviewed journals, with the citation shown alongside the value
- Both in vitro (laboratory absorbance) and in vivo (human volunteer) results, labeled as such — the two methods can differ substantially, and we say so when they do
- Regulatory findings from bodies such as the FDA, including absorption and safety data
What we exclude
- Manufacturer-reported SPF values that lack independent published testing
- Claims sourced only from blogs, social media, or marketing material
- Single-study numbers presented without their limitations — where a value is contested (as with raspberry seed oil's early transmission study), we present the full history rather than the highest number
Editorial ratings
Product pages carry an editorial rating from 1 to 5, assigned by weighing the published evidence on each ingredient's protection, stability, safety data, and environmental record — the same findings summarized in each page's pros and cons. Ratings are editorial judgments about the ingredient as a sun protection option, not medical guidance.
Affiliate links and independence
Product recommendations link to Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate we earn
from qualifying purchases. Affiliate relationships do not influence the SPF
data we report or the ratings we assign — several ingredients we cover are
rated poorly and carry no product recommendation at all. Affiliate links are
marked with rel="sponsored".
Disclaimer
Content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. No natural oil provides adequate standalone sun protection; health organizations recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Consult a healthcare professional for advice about sun protection for your skin.