Seven out of ten sunscreens recently tested by Consumer NZ failed to meet their SPF label claims. While six still offered high protection, one of the most expensive products promised SPF50 but delivered just SPF14.
Coola Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion 50 tested at just SPF14. This product offers low protection, and is way off the factor 50 promised on its label. At $69 per 100ml, it was one of the priciest products Consumer tested.
“If a sunscreen label says SPF50, New Zealanders should be able to trust it,” says Belinda Castles, researcher at Consumer NZ.
“New Zealand has one of the highest skin cancer and melanoma rates in the world. Skin cancer is largely preventable, and we rely on sunscreens to protect us from the sun’s harsh rays.”
Consumer tested 10 widely available sunscreens, priced from $4 to $76 per 100ml, to check whether their SPF and broad-spectrum claims stacked up.
SPF measures protection against UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn. Broad-spectrum sunscreens also protect against UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin and can cause wrinkles and age spots. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.
The good news: every product tested met the requirements for broad-spectrum protection based on the tested SPF. The bad news: only 3 out of 10 met their SPF claims.
Consumer’s test found that a higher price did not guarantee premium protection.
“The cheapest product we tested met its label claims. Smart365 Sun Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ costs $4 per 100ml,” says Castles.
Similarly, the Cancer Society Everyday Protection SPF50 met its claims and costs $9 per 100ml.
“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,” says Castles.
Last year, testing undertaken by Australian advocacy organisation Choice found similarly woeful results.
“Choice’s test found 16 out of 20 tested sunscreens didn’t meet their SPF claims. Eleven of those products were sold in New Zealand too,” says Castles.
Sunscreen regulation
The Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act 2022 requires sunscreens to comply with the Australian and New Zealand sunscreen standard, which requires independent testing. There’s no rule on how often sunscreens must be tested. Previous Consumer investigations have found some companies rely on test reports that are several years old.
“Our latest test results show why regular sunscreen testing is essential. Consumers should be able to trust what’s printed on a product label,” says Castles.
Consumer has shared its latest findings with the Commerce Commission.
Shop with confidence
With support from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand’s most comprehensive database of sunscreens is hosted on Consumer NZ’s website for all New Zealanders.
The sunscreen database allows users to filter products by price, SPF, water resistance and the last time a sunscreen was tested.
“The database has been designed to help people to make the best possible decision about sun protection for themselves and their households,” says Castles.
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