Several popular sunscreens in the UK have recently failed safety tests, according to a report by consumer watchdog Which?. Products from well-known brands, including Asda, Calypso, and Bondi Sands, were found to have inadequate SPF and UVA protection. The research also highlighted the success of cheaper alternatives from Aldi and Lidl.
Which? tested face-specific sunscreens for the first time this year and found that Asda’s Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 30 High, Calypso’s Press & Protect Sun Lotion SPF 30, and Bondi Sands’ SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion all fell short of the expected protection levels. Asda’s lotion failed both rounds of testing, while Calypso’s sunscreen only provided two-thirds of the protection stated on the bottle. Bondi Sands’ product did not meet the claimed SPF and also lacked the required minimum UVA protection.
On the other hand, Lidl’s Cien Sun Spray SPF 30 and Aldi’s Lacura SPF 30 Sun Lotion both passed the tests with flying colors. These budget options, priced at £3.29 for 200ml and £2.49 for 200ml respectively, were praised for their effectiveness in protecting skin.
Speaking on the results, Which? head of home products Natalie Hitchins expressed concern over the performance of some well-known brands but also highlighted the availability of affordable options on the market. “Our results prove there’s no need to spend a lot of money to keep you and your loved ones safe in the sun this summer, and that many of the supermarket own-brand products can do a good job,” she stated.
Asda responded to the findings by stating that they do not recognize the results and that recent tests by an external provider have shown their product to have an SPF of 31.5. They also pointed out that Which? had previously awarded the same product with a “Great Value” rating in 2022 and that it had passed their SPF test at that time.
Calypso Sun, one of the brands whose product failed the tests, stated that their products undergo rigorous testing and comply with EU standards and regulations. Similarly, Bondi Sands challenged the findings and stated that their tests had shown their product to have an SPF of 61.5, well beyond the 50+ stated on the bottle, and also offers UVA protection. They also expressed their willingness to work with Which? to better understand the testing results.