General Sunscreen Questions

Q1:     What is SPF?

Q2:     Do your products protect against UVA and UVB rays?

Q3:     What are UVA and UVB?

Q4:     What is Parsol 1789?

Q5:     Are HUGGIES sunscreens PABA free?

Q6:     Can I use this product on my baby who is under 6 months old?

Q7:  Why do the directions on HUGGIES sunscreen say to apply 15 minutes before sun exposure?

Q8:   What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant?/Why is HUGGIES sunscreen labeled very water resistant?

Q9:   How much sunscreen should I apply?

Q10:   What if my child ingested HUGGIES sunscreen?

Sun Sensor Questions

Q11:   What are HUGGIES Little Swimmers Sun Sensors?/How do HUGGIES Sun Sensors work?  

Q12:   How do I use HUGGIES Sun Sensors?  

Q13:   Can my child swim with a sensor on? 

General Sunscreen Questions

Q1:   What is SPF?

A1:   SPF is an abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor. Sunscreens are tested for their ability to protect you from UVB light and the level of protection is expressed as the SPF rating, for example SPF50. The number indicates how many times longer a person can stay in the sun before beginning to burn while wearing sunscreen than if he or she were not wearing any sunscreen at all. Sunscreens with higher SPF ratings offer more protection.

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Q2:   Do your products protect against UVA and UVB rays?

A2:   Yes (for more information see question "What are UVA and UVB?")

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Q3:   What are UVA and UVB?

A3:   UVA is lower energy/longer wavelength ultra-violet light produced by the sun that penetrates deeply into the skin. Once in the deeper layers in the skin, the light can lead to short-term responses such as tanning as well as the long-term skin problems such as pre-mature aging and ultimately, leading to free radicals that are linked to skin cancer. HUGGIES sun screens contain two UVA absorbers, Oxybenzone and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone). These molecules absorb some of the ultra-violet energy before it reaches the skin and is able to penetrate the surface.

UVB is the higher energy/shorter wavelength ultra-violet light that is responsible for sun burns. This light does not penetrate past the outer layers of the skin. However, UVB is a much higher energy which actually burns the skin just like an iron would. HUGGIES sun screen lotions contain three UVB absorbers, Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. HUGGIES Continuous Spray Sunscreen also contains Homosalate. These molecules absorb some of the UVB ultra-violet energy before it reaches the skin and causes sunburn.

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Q4:   What is Parsol 1789?

A4:   Parsol 1789 is a trade name for Avobenzone. Avobenzone is a UVA absorber. The Oxybenzone in HUGGIES sunscreen absorbs both UVA and UVB light, but the UVA protection is very minimal. All the other active ingredients in HUGGIES sunscreen are UVB absorbers.

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Q5:   Are HUGGIES sunscreens PABA free?

A5:   Yes, all HUGGIES Sunscreens are PABA free.

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Q6:   Can I use this product on my baby who is under 6 months old?

A6:   Consult a doctor prior to using any sun care products on babies under 6 months of age. After 6 months of age, sunscreens are recommended as part of sun safe behavior. Other sun safe behaviors include limiting time in the sun between 10am and 4pm, and wearing hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.

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Q7:   Why do the directions on HUGGIES sunscreen say to apply 15 minutes before sun exposure?

A7:   HUGGIES sunscreens contain water resistance ingredients and UVA and UVB absorbers to provide sun protection. In order for these ingredients to provide the full SPF protection and water-resistance, they have to be evenly spread over the skin. The recommended 15 minutes allows the lotion to absorb into the top layers of the skin and provide an even layer of protection. This is also why it is recommended to reapply after towel drying, swimming or sweating as these activities can remove the sunscreen from your skin.

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Q8:   What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant?/Why is HUGGIES sunscreen labeled very water resistant?

A8:   The term waterproof can be misleading because no sunscreen is completely resistant to washing off in water. The FDA specifies using the terms very water resistant and water resistant. The difference between these two terms is in regard to the amount of time before the product wears off in water. Water resistant products maintain their sun protection after 40 minutes in water. Very water resistant products such as HUGGIES sunscreens maintain their sun protection after 80 minutes in water.

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Q9:   How much sunscreen should I apply?

A9:   The SPF level claimed on a sunscreen is dependent on the amount applied to the skin. To achieve the SPF level claimed you need to apply 2 milliliters of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. That equals a little over an ounce (equivalent to two tablespoons or an eighth of a cup) to cover an average adult in a bathing suit. A 7.5oz HUGGIES sunscreen lotion bottle has enough sunscreen for a little over 7 full body applications. These recommendations apply to each application of sunscreen.

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Q10:   What if my child ingested HUGGIES sunscreen?

A10:   If a very small amount was ingested, such as from licking the skin during/after application, HUGGIES sunscreens are non-toxic and should not harm your child. However, if a large amount, or if you do not know how much, was ingested get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

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Sun Sensor Questions

Q11:   What are HUGGIES Little Swimmers Sun Sensors?/How do HUGGIES Sun Sensors work?

A11:   They are self adhesive sensors that monitor exposure to the sun’s UVB rays, the type of UV radiation that causes sunburn. Sun Sensors change color with increased exposure to the sun. The change in color from yellow to orange alerts one to the fact that they are in a ‘danger zone’ of UVB radiation exposure. This means that one needs to reapply sunscreen, put on protective clothing, or seek some shade.

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Q12:   How do I use HUGGIES Sun Sensors?

A12:   Sensors are self-adhesive and water resistant. Apply in an area that is continuously exposed to direct sun and facing upward on your skin, clothing, hat, etc. Always apply to a clean, dry surface. The sensor may not stick to some fabrics. For accurate monitoring, do not apply or rub sunscreen on sensor. Store unused stickers at room temperature; keep clean and unexposed to light. If sensor is orange and no sun graphics are visible, do not use.

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Q13:  Can my child swim with a sensor on?

A13:   The sensors have a water-proof top coat to protect them from water. But, the sensor only works when directly exposed to UV rays which may not happen when submerged in water.

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