What pH Level is Your Sunscreen, and Why Should You Care?

Ever wondered what your sunscreen pH level is?

Have you ever wondered what the pH level of your sunscreen is? Or why you should care? pH levels are often mentioned in relation to skincare and beauty products, but when it comes to sunscreen, it's often overlooked.

Let's take a closer look at pH levels and what they mean for you when it comes to wearing sunscreen (or when it comes to your skincare routine).

KINeSYS SPF50 Sunscreen named one of TOP ALLERGY-FRIENDLY SUNSCREENS by Allergic Living

What is pH?

For those who paid attention in chemistry class, pH is the symbol for ‘Potential hydrogen’ and it refers to the acid-alkaline ratio of a substance.

Anything from the soil in the ground to the food we eat and the water we drink, has a pH level. The pH scale, from 0 to 14 refers to how acidic or alkaline a substance is, where 0 is the most acidic, 14 is the most alkaline with 7 being neutral.

When it comes to the pH level of our skin, this generally sits anywhere between 4.5 and 5.5. So, you will want to use skin care and sunscreen products which sit within this same range. Otherwise you will potentially cause irritation or long-term damage to your skin.

What pH levels are safe for your skin?

The skin’s natural protective membrane is acidic, as this is better for fighting off infections, pollutants, and other damaging factors. Therefore, when skin is exposed to alkaline products, or its pH is affected by environmental factors such as the sun, water, or pollution, it tends to become dry, irritated or flaky.

When choosing beauty products, the pH levels will affect the way that your skin reacts. A beauty product – whether it’s makeup, skincare, or sunscreen – with an alkaline pH level will not only be uncomfortable to wear, it will potentially cause irritation or long-term damage to your skin (aka premature ageing).

Using products which are too alkaline can also affect the enzymes in your skin. The enzymes responsible for breaking down collagen, for example, are activated by alkaline products. This breakdown of collagen can cause premature ageing, wrinkles, loss of plumpness, and can even go on to cause eczema.

Using products with suitable pH levels is therefore a powerful tool in preventing premature ageing, and in taking care of your skin’s health and natural defences.

What are the pH levels of your sunscreen?

pH levels are not often discussed when it comes to sunscreens, so knowing their levels can be challenging. Many brands aren’t transparent about their products’ pH levels, so be sure to choose a brand whose pH information is available.

All KINeSYS sunscreens have pH levels of between 4.9 and 5.10, meaning they won’t affect the natural pH levels of your skin.

Not only are all KINeSYS sunscreens within healthy pH levels – meaning they won’t dry your skin, interfere with your skin’s natural pH level, or cause damage to your skin – they’re also great for use on all types of skin. Whether you have oily or acne-prone skin, dry skin or sensitive skin.

Made without the use of harsh chemicals, they're free from oil and alcohol, and even come in fragrance-free varieties for those with particularly sensitive skin (or noses!). Each of our sunscreen products are enriched with vitamin E, to nourish your skin, and help maintain your skin’s hydration, while protecting you against the elements.

Read our recent blog What is the Best Sunscreen for Wearing with Makeup for more information.

KINeSYS sunscreen products and their pH levels

SPF 30 Fragrance Free                  pH 4.96

SPF 50 Fragrance Free                  pH 5.02

SPF 30 Clear Zinc                          pH 4.96

Featured Product

KINeSYS SPF50 Sunscreen named one of TOP ALLERGY-FRIENDLY SUNSCREENS by Allergic Living

Our sunscreens also come in travel-sized spray bottles, which are perfect for keeping in your handbag, sports bag, or in your luggage. So, no matter where you’re headed, it’s easy to keep your favourite sunscreen handy and apply it on the go.