Aussie sunscreens fail SPF 50+ test. See the list

Only four of Australia’s top 20 SPF 50+ sunscreens are delivering the promised sun protection.

CHOICE CEO Ashley de Silva said the consumer group tested 20 popular SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreens and found 16 didn’t meet their SPF claims.

Mr de Silva said sunscreens were chosen from a range of brands, retailers, and price points, and tested by experts in a specialised, accredited sunscreen lab.

“Consumers expect sunscreen to protect them in line with the SPF rating on the product, but as our testing has shown, the SPF label doesn’t always match what’s in the bottle,” he said.

Mr de Silva said CHOICE had informed the TGA and the ACCC of the results of the testing and has asked the TGA to conduct their own compliance testing.

The four sunscreens which met their SPF claims were:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+ – tested at 72.
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50 – tested at 56.
• Cancer Council Kid Sunscreen 50+ – tested at 52.
• Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50+ Hydrating Sunscreen – tested at 51.

SPF results in the 40s:

• Coles SPF 50+ Sunscreen Ultra Tube – tested at 43.
• Nivea Sun Kids Ultra Protect and Play Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ – tested at 41.
• Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture Lock SPF 50+ Sunscreen – tested at 40.
• Sun Bum Premium Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion 50+ – tested at 40.

SPF results in the 30s:

• Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ – tested at 35.
• Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen – tested at 32.
• Cancer Council Kids Clear Zinc 50+ – tested at 33.
• Invisible Zinc Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 – tested at 38.

SPF results in the 20s:

• Aldi Ombra Everyday Sunscreen Lotion 50+ – tested at 26.
• Banana Boat Baby Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ – tested at 28.
• Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Zinc Mineral Body Lotion – tested at 26.
• Cancer Council Everyday Value Sunscreen 50 – tested at 27.
• Cancer Council Ultra Sunscreen 50+ – tested at 24.
• Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Lotion SPF 50 – tested at 24.
• Woolworths Sunscreen Everyday Tube SPF 50+ – tested at 27.