Sunscreens
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.
We’ve compared over 160 sunscreens in our database, featuring more than 40 brands. Find out which sunscreens offer great value and filter by SPF protection, water resistance and what year a sunscreen was tested. Whether you're at the beach or enjoying a sunny stroll, choose a sunscreen that keeps your skin safe from the harsh summer sun.
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.
Safer sunscreens
We’re all vulnerable to NZ’s harsh sun. However, with no regular testing required under the mandatory sunscreen standard, you can’t always trust what’s on the label.
Other ways to protect yourself
Sunscreen isn’t the only way to shield yourself from the scorching summer sun. Explore our test results for sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, and sun shelters.
Consume This podcast: Summer's Coming: Spot The Problem
Sophie Stewart unpacks why the sun is so strong in Aotearoa, and how we can protect ourselves. In this episode she's joined by Christina Baldarelli, NIWA's Olaf Morgenstern, and University of Otago researcher Bronwen McNoe.
Latest news on sun protection
Sunscreen concerns show need for regular monitoring
SPF label claims on sunscreens not stacking up, testing laboratory concerns and alleged greenwashing claims: it’s time New Zealand’s regulators stepped up and monitored sunscreen companies.
11 sunscreens sold in New Zealand didn’t meet SPF claims, as revealed by an Australian test
Australian consumer group Choice’s test of household sunscreens has shown 16 out of 20 tested sunscreens didn’t meet their SPF claims.
New Zealand’s sun-protection laws aren't doing enough to protect consumers
We’re lagging behind other countries when it comes to keeping consumers safe from harsh UV rays.
Time to ban sunbeds
Sunbed operators continue to put high-risk customers in danger. We want sunbeds banned.
Sun smart survey: how New Zealanders protect themselves from the sun
We ask Kiwis how they protect themselves from the harsh Aotearoa sun.
Sunscreens now have to comply with a mandatory standard
Sunscreens are now regulated under the Fair Trading Act (FTA) and it is mandatory for products to meet the Australian and New Zealand sunscreen standard.
Company’s fine tops off a year of sunscreen wins for consumers
Australian skincare company Ego Pharmaceuticals received a hefty fine of $280k for making unsubstantiated label claims about the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of two of its sunscreens.
How safe is your manicure?
Skin cancer experts are concerned consumers don’t know about the potential risk posed by UV lamps used in nail salons.
About our sunscreen database
We’ve sent market survey forms to more than 80 companies asking them what sunscreens they’ll be selling this summer. We’ve asked companies to tell us when and where their sunscreen was tested, as well as information about claims and product ingredients.
We've tested 169 sunscreens.
Find the right one for you.
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