Medical Grade Sunscreen vs Drugstore Sunscreen

You hear it time and time again that the most important skincare product is sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. But did you know that not all sunscreens are created the same? Clients often ask why the sunscreens we carry costs more than walking into a typical drugstore and purchasing one off the shelf. Our answer is that we only carry medical grade sunscreen or what is sometimes referred to as pharmaceutical grade.

Medical grade products are formulated with pure and high quality ingredients, they are more concentrated, are designed to penetrate beyond the upper layer of the skin, and are backed by clinical studies and research. The biggest difference between a medical grade sunscreen and an over the counter sunscreen is the efficiency and strength of their formula. Medical grade sunscreens contain 99.9% active ingredients that are pure and concentrated whereas, the majority of over-the-counter formulas only contain about 70-80% active ingredients, contain fragrances, several inactive compounds, and preservatives.

The medical grade sunscreens we carry at DermaKarma consist of broad spectrum protection, are paraben-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). We have formulas for every skin type; oily/acne-prone, dry, normal, combination and for sensitive skin.

It is also important to note that there is a difference between physician recommended and medical grade products. Just because a sunscreen claims to be physician recommended does not necessarily mean that it has been formulated with the same quality ingredients as a scientifically researched and formulated medical grade product.

The DermaKarma team is passionate about quality, effective skin care and we would love to recommend a sunscreen that not only protects your skin, but also works for your individual needs and lifestyle.