sun cream

IPA/ˈsʌn kriːm/
IPA/ˈsʌn kriːm/

sun cream — noun

1. a thick, oily cream that you spread over your skin to stop it from getting burne

1.nounA2
Definition

a thick, oily cream that you spread over your skin to stop it from getting burned or damaged by strong sunlight

Example

Before going to the beach, Mei-Ling spread sun cream over her arms and shoulders.

collocation: spread sun cream over [body part]

The lifeguard told Diego to wear sun cream even on cloudy summer afternoons.

collocation: wear sun cream

Common collocations
  • apply sun cream
  • put on sun cream
  • wear sun cream
  • spread sun cream
  • sun cream with SPF
  • waterproof sun cream
  • sun cream on your face
  • a high-factor sun cream
Synonyms
  • sunscreen

    the standard term in American English; often used interchangeably in product labels

  • sunblock

    a type of sun cream that physically blocks sunlight rather than absorbing it; usually thicker and more opaque

  • suntan lotion

    a broader term that includes products designed to help you tan as well as protect; less precise for protection-focused products

Usage Note

More common in British English. In American English the usual word is 'sunscreen' or 'sunblock'.

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a sun cream.
I need to buy some sun cream.
Sun cream is usually uncountable; use 'some' or a specific brand name.
Put sun cream on your skin before you go to the beach for not getting burned.
Put sun cream on your skin before you go to the beach so you do not get burned.
Use 'so that' or 'to' for purpose, not 'for' + -ing.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three refer to products applied to the skin for sun protection, but they differ in emphasis. 'Sun cream' (British English) and 'sunscreen' (American English) are the most general terms for any lotion, cream, or spray that guards against UV rays. 'Sunblock' describes a physical blocker (often containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that sits on top of the skin and reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it. 'Suntan lotion' is a broader category that includes products with lower SPF designed to help the user develop a tan while providing minimal protection. In everyday conversation, shoppers in the UK ask for 'sun cream', while shoppers in the US ask for 'sunscreen' — though product labels worldwide often use 'sunscreen' as the generic name for any SPF-rated lotion.

sunscreen ↗sunblock ↗suntan lotion ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • apply sun cream
  • put on sun cream
  • wear sun cream
  • spread sun cream on
  • sun cream with SPF

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

'Sun cream' is a compound noun formed from 'sun' (the star that provides light and heat during the day) and 'cream' (a thick, smooth substance applied to the skin). The term became common in the mid-20th century as commercial sun-protection products grew popular in Britain and across Europe. Before branded sun creams existed, people used oils or homemade mixtures to prevent burning.