Suncream vs. Sunscreen — What's the Difference?

A cream that contains sunscreen.

Sunscreen, also known as suncream, sunblock or suntan lotion, is a lotion, spray, gel, foam (such as an expanded foam lotion or whipped lotion), stick or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn and most importantly prevent skin cancer. Diligent use of sunscreen can also help to slow or temporarily prevent the development of wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin.

A preparation, often in the form of a cream or lotion, used to protect the skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun.

A cream, to be spread on the skin, containing organic compounds that absorb, and/or titanium dioxide that reflects the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

A cream spread on the skin; contains a chemical (as PABA) to filter out ultraviolet light and so protect from sunburn