Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Sunscreen Safety: Consumer Watchdog Ranks the Best and Worst for 2025
A £28 sunscreen, promoted as ideal for the entire family and particularly for children, has failed a safety assessment conducted by Which?. This revelation raises concerns about the reliability of some sun protection products and highlights the importance of choosing the right sunscreen for effective UV protection.
The consumer watchdog, Which?, evaluated 15 widely available SPF50 and SPF30 sunscreens from prominent retailers and supermarkets, adhering to stringent international safety criteria. Each product underwent rigorous testing for ultraviolet (UV) and SPF protection and was assessed for usability by a panel of volunteers.
The results identified two products as “Don’t Buys” due to failing crucial tests, while seven earned “Best Buy” status for superior overall performance. Additionally, two sunscreens were recognized as “great value” options, offering affordable sun protection.
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How the Sunscreens Were Tested
To evaluate the creams, scientists applied a measured amount to volunteers’ backs and exposed the area to a simulated sunlight source. The duration for the skin to redden was recorded.
Another test involved spreading a sunscreen sample on a glass plate to directly measure UV radiation absorption. A passing grade required the sunscreen to provide at least one-third of its stated SPF. For instance, an SPF 30 sunscreen should delay skin damage by 30 times compared to unprotected skin.
The following list details the 2025 test outcomes, ordered from most to least effective.
SPF30 Sunscreen Recommendations
- Brand A SPF30: Great Value Seal
- Brand B SPF30: Excellent UVA and UVB Protection
- Brand C SPF30: First-Class Protection
- Brand D SPF30: Passed SPF and UVA Tests
- Brand E SPF30: Provides Claimed Sun Protection
- Brand F SPF30: Delivers on Claims
This product received the “great value” designation from the watchdog. The panel reported it performed well in key tests, was simple to apply, and had a pleasant scent. It was noted that the cream felt somewhat greasy after application.
Which? highlighted that this product offered “excellent UVA and UVB protection.” UVA and UVB protection are essential because they defend against different types of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing the risk of skin damage and cancer.
This product provides “first-class SPF and UVA protection,” according to Which?. However, some users found the skin felt “a little tacky” after application.
This product successfully passed both SPF and UVA tests. Which? noted that the only downside was its higher cost.
The consumer watchdog found no significant issues with this product, stating that it delivers the sun protection it advertises.
Which? stated that this product “delivers on SPF and UVA claims” and has “no major issues.”
SPF30 Sunscreens to Avoid
- Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30
- Price: £3.75/200ml
- Testing revealed this sun spray failed to provide the stated level of UVB protection.
- Morrisons stated they are reviewing the data and working with their supplier to conduct further independent tests.
- Ultrasun Family SPF30
- Price: £28/150ml
- This sunscreen passed the SPF test but failed to meet the minimum UVA level required for an SPF30 product.
- Ultrasun expressed confidence in their testing protocols, asserting that their processes meet and surpass industry standards.
SPF50 Sunscreen Recommendations
- Aldi SPF50: Great Value, designed for sensitive skin.
- Brand H SPF50: Provides Claimed Sun Protection.
- Garnier SPF50: Easy to Apply, but Expensive.
- Nivea SPF50+: Passed SPF and UVA Tests
- Sainsbury’s SPF50: Provides Claimed Sun Protection, No Downsides.
This product is a great option for those needing very high SPF protection, and its for sensitive skin, although it absorbed less easily than some others.
This product provides claimed sun protection, and there were no major concerns or downsides.
This spray passed both tests and was easy to apply, although the product was an expensive option.
One of the most recognizable products on the market, this Nivea spray passed both SPF and UVA tests, but cost was noted as a downside.
This Sainsbury’s spray provides the level of sun protection it claimed and there were no major downsides to the product.
SPF50+ Children’s Sunscreen Recommendations
- Boots SPF50+: Passed SPF and UVA Tests, Cheaper Option.
- Childs Farm SPF50+: Excellent Sun Protection
Available at Boots, the SPF50+ option passed both SPF and UVA tests and is cheaper than other children’s sunscreens.
This product offers excellent sun protection and passed both key tests, although some users found this sunscreen felt a bit greasy.