[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]

Sunburn and Tanning History and Recommended SPF*

Always burns easily; rarely tans: 20 to 30

Always burns easily; tans minimally: 2 to under 20

Burns moderately; tans gradually: 8 to under 12

Burns minimally; always tans well: 4 to under 8

Rarely burns, tans profusely: 2 to under 4

*Sun protection factor

(Source: FDA's 1993 tentative final monograph on sunscreen drug products)

FDA Consumer magazine (June 1996)