Sunscreen for climbers: why we use modern UV-Filters

If you climb a lot in the sun, sunscreen is a must. But not every cream is made for outdoor athletes – especially not for climbers. We’ll show you what really matters and why KletterRetter sunscreen with modern UV filters does more than just say “SPF 30”.

More than just SPF

UV radiation consists of UVA and UVB rays – both damage the skin in different ways. UVB rays penetrate the outer layer of the skin and cause sunburn. UVA rays are longer-wavelength, penetrate deeper into the skin, and are primarily responsible for skin aging, wrinkles, and long-term cell damage.

Many people just grab the next sunscreen labeled SPF 30 or 50. But the sun protection factor (SPF) alone doesn’t tell you how well you’re protected against UVA radiation – and that’s where it really matters for climbers.

Our KletterRetter sunscreen has been tested according to ISO standards and achieves:

SPF 35.2 (instead of just “SPF 30”)
UVA protection factor 13.7 – well above the EU minimum requirement
Broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB up to 400nm
UVA/UVB ratio 45.6% – clearly above the EU guideline of at least one-third of the SPF value

Our sunscreen doesn’t just protect against sunburn, it also significantly reduces harmful UVA radiation – exactly the kind of protection your skin needs when climbing.

Chalkproof & sweatproof

Normal sunscreen + chalk = slippery fingers. Not with us. Our formula absorbs faster, is less greasy, and has been tested with and without chalk. It’s also been tested for sweat stability – perfect for sunny multi-pitch routes, bouldering sessions, or just hot days at the crag.

Modern filters instead of outdated chemistry

Most conventional sunscreens contain filters like avobenzone or octocrylene – these are often unstable, irritating to the skin, or suspected of harming the environment.

KletterRetter sunscreen uses modern European UV filters:

Tinosorb S: extremely photostable, covers UVB + UVA
Uvinul A Plus: protects into the deep UVA1 range
Ethylhexyl Triazone: the most effective UVB filter on the market

All ingredients are EU-approved, photostable, skin-friendly, and reef-safe (no oxybenzone, no octinoxate).

Conclusion

Whether you sport climb, go alpine, trad, or boulder: If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you need a sunscreen that not only protects but also works for climbing.

KletterRetter sunscreen is the top choice for anyone who