Evaluating the Effeciency of Sunscreen Brands
School Name
Center for Advanced Technical Studies
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Chemistry
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
Individuals are at risk for skin cancer now more than ever due to insufficient sunscreen brands and not knowing when to reapply. It is known that during this research project, there is a statistical difference between the amount of UVA rays allowed through three different sunscreen brands being tested (Blue Lizard, Equate, & Hawaiian Tropic). Throughout this experiment, gelatin (mimicking skin) was placed in a petri dish with sunscreen applied on top. A UVA light sensor was placed under the petri dish, and a UVA light was placed above the petri dish. A spark device was used to generate the amount of UVA rays coming through the sunscreen and onto the light sensor. After calculating the results, it was found that Blue Lizard sunscreen blocks the most UVA rays, allowing only 7.00 W/M^2 through. An ANOVA test was run where the F-ratio was higher than the critical value, showing that there is a statistical difference between the different sunscreen brands. In conclusion, Blue Lizard sunscreen is the most effective way to block the most UVA rays. This experiment showed that there are statistical differences in the effectiveness of sunscreen brands. To further this experiment, more sunscreen brands and longer trials will be tested.
Recommended Citation
Peterson, Piper; Lindler, Layla; and Floyd, Margaret, "Evaluating the Effeciency of Sunscreen Brands" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 10.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/10
Location
PENNY 214
Start Date
4-5-2025 10:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Evaluating the Effeciency of Sunscreen Brands
PENNY 214
Individuals are at risk for skin cancer now more than ever due to insufficient sunscreen brands and not knowing when to reapply. It is known that during this research project, there is a statistical difference between the amount of UVA rays allowed through three different sunscreen brands being tested (Blue Lizard, Equate, & Hawaiian Tropic). Throughout this experiment, gelatin (mimicking skin) was placed in a petri dish with sunscreen applied on top. A UVA light sensor was placed under the petri dish, and a UVA light was placed above the petri dish. A spark device was used to generate the amount of UVA rays coming through the sunscreen and onto the light sensor. After calculating the results, it was found that Blue Lizard sunscreen blocks the most UVA rays, allowing only 7.00 W/M^2 through. An ANOVA test was run where the F-ratio was higher than the critical value, showing that there is a statistical difference between the different sunscreen brands. In conclusion, Blue Lizard sunscreen is the most effective way to block the most UVA rays. This experiment showed that there are statistical differences in the effectiveness of sunscreen brands. To further this experiment, more sunscreen brands and longer trials will be tested.
