Should You Cocktail Your Sunscreens?

This week is a monumental one for the sunscreen industry. Stateside formulas have historically been less efficacious and cosmetically elegant than those abroad in countries like France or Korea due to the lack of approved filters. But finally, after 25 years, the FDA approved a new sunscreen ingredient, bringing SPFs in the United States one step closer to being on par with foreign formulas. “Sunscreen formulas are carefully developed and tested, and mixing them together can result in unexpected interactions,” says Dendy Engelman , a triple-board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City. “For example, some mineral and chemical active ingredients can negate each other when mixed. In addition, mixing sunscreens with different SPFs means that it’s impossible to know the actual level of protection that you’re getting, which can result in skin damage.” The bottom line is any sun protection is better than no sun protection, but there’s a right and wrong way to blend formulas. Ahead, my favorite ones for the summer ahead and beyond, because sunscreen is a year-round step.