Consumer NZ’s latest independent sunscreen testing has found seven out of 10 products failed to meet their SPF label claims.
It said six still offered high protection but one of the most expensive – Coola Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion 50 – came back from testing at only SPF14.
The consumer watchdog tested 10 sunscreens ranging in price from $4 to $76 per 100ml to check whether their SPF and broad-spectrum claims were accurate.
SPF measured protection against UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn. Broad-spectrum sunscreens also protected against UVA rays.
Consumer NZ says six still offered high protection but one of the most expensive came back from testing at only SPF14. (Source: Breakfast)
Consumer NZ said every product tested met the requirements for broad-spectrum protection based on the tested SPF, but only three out of the 10 met their SPF claims.
Smart365 Sun Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ was the cheapest product tested and met its label claims as did the Cancer Society Everyday Protection SPF50 and Cetaphil Sun Ultra Light Lotion SPF50+.
When it comes to protecting our skin from from the harmful rays of the sun, sunscreen is king. (Source: Seven Sharp)
“The other six sunscreens that did not meet label claims still offered high protection of SPF 30 or higher – they just didn’t deliver the SPF promised on the label,” said Belinda Castles, researcher at Consumer NZ.
Consumer NZ said it sent the results to the companies whose products didn’t meet their SPF claims. It said some provided earlier test reports or arranged further testing; others declined to provide reports or didn’t respond.
Coola’s distributor said it wouldn’t be commenting on the test results.
This week new rules have been proposed in Australia that would force sunscreen brands to undergo rigorous testing to prove their SPF rating.
Last year, an investigation in Australia found 16 of 20 products studied didn’t match their SPF label claims, leading to some brands being recalled.
The proposed reforms required manufacturers to test the SPF of their finished product before listing it with Australia's therapeutic goods administration and continue to test it over its shelf life.
Consumer NZ said its latest test results show why regular sunscreen testing is essential. In New Zealand, the Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act 2022 required sunscreens to comply with the Australian and New Zealand sunscreen standard, which required independent testing. However, there was no rule on how often sunscreens must be tested.
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