Two of UK’s popular sun screen brands have been found to be misleading consumers as they fail to deliver the level of protection claimed on the product labels.
According to an SPF test conducted by consumer watchdog, Which?, Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion and Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion failed to offer the SPF protection they claim.
The watchdog tested a total of 13 sun screen creams with a stated sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, including popular brands like Nivea and Piz Buin, as well as own-brand products from supermarkets including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Which? said it used strict British standard tests to assess whether the suncream actually offered the SPF claimed on the label, as well as the protection provided against UVA.
It was found that two of the products – Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF30 (200ml) and Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion SPF30 (180ml) – failed the tests twice as both offered only around two-thirds of their claimed sun protection factor (SPF). The SPF gives an indication of the amount of protection against harmful ultraviolet B (UVB) rays which cause sunburn.
However, both products passed the tests for ultraviolet A (UVA) rays which are more prevalent but less intense than UVB. Eleven other sunscreens were found to be satisfactory.
“We don’t think you can rely on products which have failed our tests to provide the level of protection you’d expect, so we’ve named them Don’t Buys,” the watchdog said.
Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said “We’re very concerned that a further two popular sunscreens have now failed our tests. Consumers must be able to trust and rely on the information provided by manufacturers so it’s disappointing to see well-known brands falling short.
“We want them to take action to ensure their products deliver the promised protection.”
Responding to the allegations, both the companies rejected the watchdog’s findings and said their sunscreens were fully effective.
Hawaiian Tropic said all its products, including Silk Hydration Lotion SPF 30 (180ml) and Satin Protection Sun Lotion SPF 30 (200ml), were rigorously tested and meets all sun protection factor, UVA and EU requirements and regulations.
“Hawaiian Tropic invests considerable resources and research in product development and testing to ensure consumer safety, and guarantees the sun protection factor and UVA claim on all products,” it said.
Boots said “We rigorously and independently test our products. We are confident all of our sun care products, including Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF30, meet the SPF labelling claim.”
“Customers can rely on them to provide the level of protection expected.”
In response to the consumer watchdog’s findings, Cancer Research UK’s health information manager Dr. Claire Knight said “In the UK more than eight in 10 skin cancers could be prevented by enjoying the sun safely and not getting sunburnt.’
“The SPF and star rating are the two most important things to look out for when choosing sunscreen so, whichever brand you choose, it’s vital you can trust the information given on the bottle.
“Using sunscreen isn’t the only way to protect your skin from strong sun. Covering up with a shirt, hat and sunglasses and spending time in the shade are the best ways to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.”
