How Much Sunscreen Really Costs You—and How to Spend Less

Ever wonder how much sunscreen is really costing you? We did too. That’s why we created the Sunscreen Cost Calculator—a quick, free tool that reveals how much you’re spending to stay sun-safe (and how much time you’re losing reapplying it).

Try the Sunscreen Cost Calculator—it's fast, free and eye opening.

This post will walk you through the why behind the calculator, how we arrived at the numbers, and what to consider when choosing your sun protection strategy—whether it's mineral sunscreen, UPF clothing, or both.

Table of Contents

• Why We Created the Sunscreen Cost Calculator
• How Much Sunscreen Really Costs
• Is UPF Clothing Worth It?
• How to Choose the Best Sunscreen
• Mineral Sunscreens vs. Chemical: What's the Difference?
• Broad Spectrum, SPF, and UVA vs. UVB
• Health & Environmental Impact of Sunscreen
• Final Recommendations

Why We Created the Sunscreen Cost Calculator

Sunscreen is essential—but it isn’t cheap, especially when used properly. Most people don’t realize how much they’re applying (or not reapplying), and how quickly those small daily squeezes add up to hundreds, even thousands of dollars per year.

Our calculator is designed to:

• Help you visualize your real sunscreen spending
• Compare that to the one-time cost of UPF 50+ clothing like our Sol Escape Sun Protective Shawl or signature UV Sun Gauntlets
• Offer a smarter, cleaner, longer-lasting sun protection alternative

How Much Sunscreen Really Costs

Based on dermatologists’ recommendations (2mg/cm² of skin per application), the average upper body requires about 2.9 teaspoons per application. (skincancer.org)

Reapplying twice per day? You’re looking at nearly 6 teaspoons daily.

That can mean anywhere from $800 to over $1,700 per year* depending on your sunscreen of choice and how many times you reapply daily. 

*Based on how to properly apply sunscreen recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

By comparison, the Sol Escape Sun Protective Shawl is a one-time $298 investment that offers permanent UPF 50+ protection-no reapplication needed.

Is UPF Clothing Worth It?

UPF clothing offers several benefits:

• No sticky mess, no sunscreen in your eyes or staining your clothing
• No chemicals on your skin if fabric is OEKO-TEX certified
• Long-term cost savings if made of permanent UPF50+ fabric
• Consistent protection (you can’t forget to reapply it)
• OEKO-TEX certified fabrics = no harmful substances

Learn how to choose high-quality UPF Clothing made from clean sun protection fabrics

Want to know how long UPF lasts in sun protective clothing or if it washes out?

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen

Even if you wear UPF clothing, daily facial sunscreen is still essential. Here's how to evaluate what’s best for your skin:

• The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear.
• Broad Spectrum, Rated SPF 30-50+
• Choose mineral sunscreens if you have sensitive skin or want to avoid potential hormone disruptors in chemical sunscreens.

Mineral Sunscreens vs. Chemical: What's the Difference?

Mineral (Physical) Sunscreens:

• Contain Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide
• Sit on the surface of your skin and reflect UV rays
• Ideal for sensitive skin - test patch first

Chemical Sunscreens:

• Contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate
• Absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat
• May irritate skin or raise hormonal concerns

Did you know: All our UPF50+ clothing is made with Titanium Dioxide woven directly into the threads of the fabric—so your protection never washes out.

Broad Spectrum, SPF, and UVA vs. UVB

• Broad Spectrum = protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays
• SPF ratings only measure UVB!
• Always double-check for Broad Spectrum labeling, especially on body sunscreens
• Check your sunscreen label for the recommended window of time to reapply. Usually it ranges from 80 minutes to 2 hours.

Health & Environmental Impact of Sunscreen

• Most of us don’t apply or reapply sunscreen as recommended
• Sunscreen ends up on clothing, towels, sand, and in our waterways
• Chemical sunscreens are known to harm coral reefs and marine life
• Some countries have banned oxybenzone and octinoxate for this reason

While Europe and Asia allow newer, safer ingredients like Mexoryl SX, and Tinosorb M, the FDA has not yet approved these ingredients for use in U.S. sunscreens.

For a comprehensive overview and guide to tested, lower-toxicity options, check out EWG’s sunscreen guide.

Final Recommendations

• Wear UPF 50+ clothing as your foundation
• Use mineral sunscreen on exposed areas (face, neck, hands)
• Reapply as needed—(note you can reduce your need to (and costs!) with smarter coverage
• Choose OEKO-TEX certified, permanent UPF fabrics for long-term skin health

Your skin is exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays every time you go outside, even on cloudy days and in the winter. So whether you are on vacation or taking a brisk walk in your neighborhood, remember to use sunscreen.  aad.org

Remember: the best sun protection is the one you’ll actually wear.

Sunscreen is important—but a smart investment in sun protective cothing will keep it from costing you a fortune or compromising your skin.

Are you curious how much you're spending on sunscreen? Try the Heliades Sunscreen Cost Calculator. It's free and includes a personalized PDF!

If you're amazed at the cost of sunscreen, imagine the cost - and time - of  aethetician or dermatologist visits.

Learn more about Heliades' Clean, Fashion Sun Protective Clothing → About Us