Which? tested 15 different sun creams to rate the best sunscreen to protect your skin this summer. Two products, one from Morrisons and the other from Ultrasun, failed their test
A Morrisons sun spray has failed key safety tests, Which? has said, as it ranked the best-buy products for this summer.
In their recent investigation, the consumer organisation tested 15 different sun creams, including big brands, own-label products and supermarket options. The sunscreen tested ranged from SPF30 to SPF50+ – and two of the items didn’t pass the test. After testing it twice, Which? said Morrisons SPF30 sun spray – which costs £3.75 for 200ml – didn’t meet the claimed SPF level – which is what protects your skin from UVB rays. The publication said it informed Morrisons of the test results, and the supermarket giant said it is looking at the data and working with its supplier to carry out further independent testing.
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According to the test carried out by Which? Ultrasun Family SPF30 lotion – priced at £28 for 150ml – also failed to match the minimum required UVA level for an SPF30 product in either the initial or repeat test. The organisation said that while the sunscreen passed its SPF (sun protection factor) test, it failed on the UVA front, meaning they would not recommend buying it.
A spokesperson from Ultrasun told Which? it was fully confident in its testing protocols and that its detailed testing processes continued to not only meet, but surpass industry standards. It stated that its chosen testing protocol is one of the strictest available.
Which? said that as part of its test, which uses industry-recognised methods, if a product failed on a first test, it was repeated. If it passed the second time, a third test was be done. But if a product failed the SPF or UVA twice overall, it became a “don’t buy” as part of its recommendations.
Among the sunscreen that passed was budget supermarket Aldi’s Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, which costs just £2.99 for 200ml. Which? said they found this product protected the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, as claimed. The product – priced at £1.50 per 100ml – also earned a Which? Great Value badge.
Similarly, Lidl’s Cien Sun Spray 30 SPF High, costing £3.79 for 200ml, was given the same rating. Other SPF30 products that passed the test included Boots Soltan Protect & Moistorise, both as lotion and as spray – which are both priced at £5.50 per 200ml.
Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30, Sainsbury’s SPF30 Moisturising Lotion and Superdrug Solait Sun Spray SPF30 also passed the test. Among the SPF50 sunscreen approved by Which? are Aldi SPF50+ Sensitive Lotion, which costs £2.99 per 200ml, and was also given a Great Value badge.
Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+, Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Sun Spray SPF50+, Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Spray SPF50+ and Sainsbury’s SPF50+ Moisturising Spray Lotion were all successful too. Which? also tested two sunscreen for children – Boots Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+ and Childs Farm SPF50+ Sun Cream Fragrance-Free – and they both passed the test.
The Mirror has contacted Morrisons and Ultrasun for comment.