June 20th 2024.
Three popular sunscreen products, Asda, Calypso, and Bondi Sands, have recently failed an annual safety test that measures their actual SPF and UVA protection. This disappointing news came from the consumer group Which? who found that these products did not meet the required standards.
Among the products that failed the test were Asda's Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 High, Calypso's Press & Protect Sun Lotion SPF30, and Bondi Sands' SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion. According to Which?, these products did not provide the level of protection that was advertised on their packaging.
In particular, Calypso's 200ml SPF30 lotion only achieved two-thirds of its claimed SPF, which was a major concern for Which?. Asda's lotion also failed to meet the standards in both rounds of testing, although the company has stated that they do not recognize the results. Similarly, Calypso and Bondi Sands have denied that their products are unsafe, citing passing EU standards and regulations in independent testing.
The results of the safety test were described as "incredibly concerning" by Natalie Hitchins, the head of Which? home products and services. However, she also noted that there are affordable options for high-quality sunscreen available in supermarkets and on the high street.
In fact, the budget sunscreen products tested by Which? performed better than their more expensive counterparts. Lidl's Cien Sun Spray SPF30, which costs only £3.29, was praised for doing an "all-round excellent job" of protecting skin. Aldi's Lacura SPF30 Sun Lotion, priced at just £2.49 for 200ml, also passed both the SPF and UVA tests. Lidl's Cien Kids Sensitive Sunscreen Spray 50+ was also found to meet its SPF and UVA protection claims.
Asda has stated that they do not recognize the tests carried out by Which?, citing their own re-testing by a leading external provider using internationally recognized methods. They claim that their product has a sun protection factor of 31.5, which is higher than the results published by Which?. Calypso Sun also defended their products, stating that they are carefully and independently tested to meet EU standards and regulations. Bondi Sands did not respond to requests for comment.
In conclusion, while it is concerning that some popular brands have failed the safety test, there are affordable and effective options available for consumers. It is important to carefully consider the SPF and UVA protection levels of sunscreen products to ensure proper protection from the sun's harmful rays.
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