Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

suncream image via Shutterstock
Fail

Two leading suncreams are not protecting you as much as they say

Both of the failed products were found to offer just two -thirds of the SPF they claimed.

TESTS CONDUCTED BY UK consumer watchdog Which? have revealed that two leading suncreams are failing to deliver the SPF claimed on their packaging.

Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF30 and Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion SPF30 both failed SPF tests twice.

A total of 13 creams with a claimed SPF of 30 were tested, including other popular brands like Nivea, and Piz Buin, as well as own-brand products from supermarkets like Tesco.

Which? said it used strict British standard tests to assess whether the suncream actually offered the SPF claimed on the label, as well as the protection provided against UVA.

Both of the failed products were found to offer just two -thirds of the SPF they claimed.

Which? Which?

“We don’t think you can rely on products which have failed our tests to provide the level of protection you’d expect, so we’ve named them Don’t Buys,” the consumer watchdog said today.

Which? said they contacted Boots and Hawaiian Tropic about their results and both manufacturers told them they conduct their own testing and stand by their SPF claims.

Commenting today, the watchdog’s executive director, Richard Lloyd said consumers must be able to trust and rely on the information provided by manufacturers. He said it is disappointing to see well-known brands falling short.

“We want them to take action to ensure their products deliver the promised protection.”

Speaking about stocking the products, Boots Ireland, said: 

“At Boots customer safety is paramount and we rigorously and independently test our products to ensure the appropriate level of safety and efficacy in compliance with EU Regulations. We are confident that all of our sun care products, including Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF30, meet the SPF labelling claim and customers can rely on them to provide the level of protection expected.”

You can view the full sun cream test results here.

Read: Suncream is really bad for the ocean>

Read: HSE: Older people, children and manual workers risk ‘serious harm’ in heatwave>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
26
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.