Using sunscreen is one part of your defence against harmful UV rays. Find one to protect your family with our buying guide and sunscreen database. Our sunscreen database has information about more than 160 sunscreens from more than 40 brands, including price, ingredients, claimed water resistance and claimed SPF. We have also independently tested 10 sunscreens from popular brands and found seven didn’t provide the SPF protection claimed.
Why is this free?
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora funded this article and our sunscreen database as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness about sun protection.
We’re dedicated to getting NZ consumers a fairer deal. We provide as much information as we can for free but we rely primarily on membership and donations to fund our work. You can help by becoming a Consumer member or making a donation. We’ll use your contribution to investigate consumer issues and work for positive change.
Stay safe in the sun with a sunscreen you can trust
Sunscreens differ in SPF protection and water resistance claims, and the ingredients they contain. There are hundreds of products to choose from and our sunscreen database helps you find a sunscreen you can trust. Filter by brand, SPF protection, price, and more, and you can also identify active sunscreen ingredients and preservatives.
What you need to know when buying sunscreen
Slopping on sunscreen can help protect you from the harsh summer sun. The sun exposes you to two types of UV rays – UVA and UVB, so here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for sunscreen:
Sun protection factor (SPF): SPF is a measure of protection against mainly UVB rays that cause sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection – up to 50+.
Broad-spectrum protection: Make sure your sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, which protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Water resistance: Water-resistant sunscreen has been tested to ensure it keeps you protected in the water. Sunscreens can claim to be 40 minutes, 2 hours or 4 hours water resistant.
Get the most out of your sunscreen
The priciest bottle isn’t always the best. Choose one that works for you, and you’ll get the most out of every drop. Plus, check out other budget-friendly ways to stay protected.
Sunscreens: Can you trust the environmental claims?
Some sunscreens claim to be better for the environment. We looked at “reef-safe” and “reef-friendly” and asked experts about whether these claims stack up.
7 sunscreen myths debunked
We often hear misperceptions about sunscreen use. Here are some of the common myths we hear when it comes to sunscreen.
