A survey conducted by Which? revealed the best, cheapest and most-effective supermarket sun creams in the UK – with results shocking the panel for its affordability
Applying sun cream during warmer weather is essential for keeping our skin safe from burns. But there are an abundance of different brands out there, with some people dubious over exactly how much protection each bottle offers.
It’s easy to assume the cheaper, supermarket brands could come with less protection, but some of the most inexpensive bottles have actually been given an authentication rating by testers at Which?
In a blindfolded survey carried out in June 2024 by Which?, the site named the best three supermarket sun creams by comparing six different brands and their effectiveness. The panel tested SPF30 sun creams, SPF50 and 50+ kids’ sun lotions, as well as face sunscreen from popular brands including Boots Soltan, Garnier and Nivea.
The tests were carried out by recognised British and International test standards for sun protection products, including SPF and UVA tests, and application tests.
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Not Bondi Sands or Calypso
Using a panel of 10 people to try each product, they all gave their opinions on how it absorbed on the skin, as well as rating the greasiness, residue, how it feels, as well as the smell. To be named a Best Buy product, sun creams must score five stars for application overall and pass both the SPF and UVA tests.
After trying out each sun scream in-depth, Which? concluded, that the bigger and most popular brands will not always have the best products. In this case, Bondi Sands SPF50+ face sunscreen lotion, and Calypso’s Press & Protect Sun lotion SPF30 failed the test of protection. Ir also included Asda’s Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 High.
Lidl’s CIEN and Aldi’s Lacura sun lotions topped up the charts as the best-value products, delivering satisfying results. They’re also cheaper than the rest of the sunscreen brands, all costing less than £3.50 for a 200ml bottle.
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Lidl’s Cien Sun Spray SPF30 and SPF50+ Kids sun spray were praised for their affordability and easy application, which makes them a convenient option for full-body protection, rather than just being effective in other areas. On the other hand, Aldi’s Lacura SPF30 Sun Lotion became a favourite because of its effectiveness without breaking the bank.
Sun protection is very important all year round, but especially during the summertime. Not protecting your skin from the sun can lead to sunburn, premature ageing and even the hidden development of skin cancer.
If you need a product to rely on without spending more money than necessary, head to your nearest Aldi and Lidl stores. Trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry and these products are not as expensive as others.
