Spot checks done on 26 sunscreens sold in the UK implicated three brands that did not pass the tests carried out by Which?.
The watchdog claimed to have uncovered six “Best Buy” products that protect effectively and are easy to apply.
Surprisingly, two of them were cheaper than average and could buck the trend of people believing they have to pay a premium for better sun protection.
While supermarket giants Aldi and Lidl passed with flying colours, Which? challenged Asda on one of its sun lotion products, suggesting it “did not offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging”. Bondi Sands, a beauty brand widely loved for its range of fake tan products, also failed to pass the Which? tests, the results revealed.
The tests, which were carried out between 2023 and 2024, involved calculating how much energy it took to redden the backs of volunteers exposed to rays from ultraviolet (UV) lamps, with and without sunscreen.
Lotions were applied to glass plates to measure the amount of light they filtered – a test which the Calypso Sun Press & Protect Sun Lotion SPF30, Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 30 High and Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Face Sunscreen Lotion “failed”.
The three products were branded “don’t buy” by the consumer group, with the results described as “incredibly concerning” by Which?’s Natalie Hitchins.
Which? claimed the Asda product passed the 2022 test, but failed this year’s sun safety test. However, Asda has disputed the validity of the results, claiming that its most recent tests confirm that the product exceeds its stated sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 30, measuring 31.5.
A spokesperson for the supermarket told Express.co.uk: “We recently had our Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 30 High re-tested by a leading external provider using internationally recognised testing methods. These test results confirmed that this product has a sun protection factor of 31.5, and therefore we do not recognise the test results Which? has published.
They continued: “When Which? reviewed this same product in 2022, they awarded it ’Great Value’ at that time and it passed their SPF test. The product formulation has not changed since then, so we would question the validity of their test.”
Calypso Sun “barely mustered two-thirds of its claimed SPF – in both the initial test and the retest”, said Which?, but the brand has defended its products, stating that all were carefully tested and met European Union standards.
As for Bondi Sands, this sun cream was said to have failed the SPF tests twice. The consumer group noted that it “didn’t come close to the claimed SPF and didn’t reach the minimum required UVA protection”.
Sunscreen recommended by Which?
- Lidl Cien Sun Spray SPF 30
- Aldi Lacura SP 30 Sun Lotion
- Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SP 30
- Boots Soltan Protect & Moisture spray SPF30
- Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Water Resistant Sun Cream Spray SPF50
Speaking of those who passed the watchdog tests, Natalie Hitchins noted: “It is great to see cheaper top-quality sunscreen options available on the High Street and in supermarkets at a time where shoppers need affordable options.”
According to NHS advice, you should never rely on sunscreen alone to keep your skin safe from UV rays. Its online advice states: “Do not rely on sunscreen alone – wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun is at its hottest.”
The NHS suggested that a minimum SPF of 30 should be used by everyone to protect against UVB, and four-star UVA protection – the letters “UVA” in a circle indicates it meets the EU standard. Suncream should be within its expiry date and it’s advisable not to spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen, the NHS said.