Sunblock, Sunscreen or Sun Screen,
What's the Difference?

Sunblock: Traditionally the term 'sunblock' was used for a product that would reflect UV rays, or 'block' the sun, like a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (mineral) based sun cream. However, the FDA (the federal organization that controls drugs like sunscreens) no longer allows the use of the term 'sunblock' on skin products sold in the USA because it is misleading. No active ingredient can 'block' 100% of the sun's rays, only a physical barrier like clothing, umbrellas or a roof can. The FDA requires use of the term 'sunscreen' for both UV reflecting and UV absorbing skin products sold in the USA. Skin products that are labeled as sunblocks or claim to be sunblocks are either just out-of-date or they are illegally labeled drugs.

Sunscreen: Any skin product that either reflects or absorbs UVA and/or UVB rays must be called a sunscreen in the USA and most other countries. Sunscreens are considered drugs and are regulated as such.

Sun Screen: These are not products that are applied to the skin to protect from the sun, rather these are actual screens like an umbrella or a canopy, that are meant to create shade and thus screen the sun's rays.