No, honey is not a sunscreen in the traditional sense. While honey possesses antioxidant properties that help protect skin from some sun damage, it does not offer sufficient protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays like a dedicated sunscreen with an SPF rating.
Honey's Skin Benefits:
-
Antioxidant Properties: Honey contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals caused by sun exposure, contributing to overall skin health and potentially reducing some sun damage. [Source: NewBeauty, "Honey To Help Prevent Sun Damage"]
-
Skin Cell Rejuvenation: Honey can aid in skin cell regeneration, helping to repair some sun-related damage. [Source: NewBeauty, "Honey To Help Prevent Sun Damage"]
Why Honey Isn't Sunscreen:
-
Lack of SPF: Honey lacks the necessary sun protection factor (SPF) to adequately block harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens with SPF ratings are rigorously tested to determine their effectiveness. Honey has not been tested or rated in this way.
-
Insufficient Protection: While honey's antioxidants may offer some minor protection, it's insufficient to prevent sunburn or long-term sun damage. This is why using honey as your sole sun protection is highly discouraged.
Sunscreens with Honey:
Several commercial sunscreens incorporate honey into their formulations. These products usually combine honey's moisturizing and antioxidant properties with effective UV-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, providing actual sun protection. Examples include:
- Maui Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 [Source: Amazon]
- SPF 30 Orange Blossom Honey Moisturizing Sunscreen [Source: Naked Bee]
- Eczema Honey Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 [Source: Eczema Honey Co]
- Björn's 30 SPF Broad Spectrum Royal Jelly Mineral Sunscreen [Source: Bjorn's Colorado Honey]
- Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Facial Sunscreen SPF 50 and SPF 30 [Source: Hempz]
These products utilize honey as an added benefit alongside proven sun-blocking agents, not as the primary sun protection itself.
In summary: While honey offers some skin benefits and is included in some sunscreens, it should not be considered a substitute for a proper sunscreen with an SPF rating for adequate sun protection.
