Sunscreen Safety Tests Reveal Surprising Results
As the summer season approaches, it’s essential to stock up on sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh sun rays. However, a recent study by the consumer group Which? has found that some sunscreen brands may not be as effective as they claim.
Failing the Safety Tests
The study tested 15 different sunscreen brands, and two of them failed to meet the minimum safety standards. The first brand, Ultrasun Family SPF30, costs £28 for a 150ml bottle and is marketed as a family-friendly sunblock. However, it failed to provide the promised level of UVA protection, scoring 9.1 and 9.5 in retests, when it should have scored 10 or more.
Another Brand Fails the Test
The second brand to fail the test was Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30, which costs £3.75 for a 200ml bottle. It scored 25.7 and 20.7 in UVB/SPF tests, falling short of the required 30 to pass. This is particularly concerning, given that Morrisons is a well-known supermarket chain with a wide customer base.
Cheap Alternatives
Fortunately, the study also found that there are affordable alternatives that meet the safety standards. Natalie Hitchins, head of home products and services at Which?, noted that "there’s no need to splash out to keep you and your loved ones safe in the sun" as they found cheap and reliable options. Some examples include Lidl’s Cien Sun Protect Spray SPF30 High, costing £3.79 for 200ml, and Aldi’s Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, priced at £2.99 for 200ml.
How the Testing is Done
Which? uses industry-recognized test methods that meet British and international standards. The tests are carried out at independent labs, and if a product fails on its first test, it is retested. If it fails again, it is given a "Don’t Buy" label.
Response from the Brands
Ultrasun has responded to the findings, stating that they are confident in their testing protocols and that their products meet industry standards. Morrisons, on the other hand, has said that they are looking closely at the data and working with their supplier to carry out additional independent testing.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the importance of checking the safety standards of sunscreen brands before making a purchase. While some brands may claim to offer high-level protection, they may not always deliver. By choosing affordable and reliable alternatives, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Remember to always check the label and look for brands that meet the minimum safety standards to stay safe in the sun.
