## Leading Sunscreen Brands Fail Safety Tests, Says Which? – Budget Alternatives Outperform Costly Options
British consumers may want to think twice about which sunscreen they reach for this summer, as a new investigation by consumer watchdog Which? has found that some of the most expensive sun creams on the market may not actually deliver the protection they promise. Notably, a £28 family sunscreen failed to meet minimum safety standards, whilst budget-friendly options from high street supermarkets came out with top marks.
Which? conducted rigorous tests on 15 widely purchased sunscreen products, scrutinising both their UVA and UVB protection levels. The watchdog’s findings are certain to alarm families investing in premium brands in hopes of safeguarding their skin. A standout in the report is Ultrasun Family SPF30, retailing at £28 for 150ml and marketed as suitable for sensitive skin and children. In the testing, this product failed to deliver adequate UVA protection, a crucial component for preventing long-term skin damage.
Although Ultrasun did manage to meet the requirements for UVB protection, its performance in UVA tests fell short — scoring 9.1 and 9.5 in two consecutive assessments, below the pass mark of 10. Meanwhile, another product, Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30, failed the SPF protection tests, returning scores of 25.7 and 20.7 (under the standard threshold of 30), despite passing the UVA assessments.
Both Ultrasun and Morrisons have since defended the safety profiles of their products, questioning the Which? methodology and citing their own stringent quality checks and ongoing reassessments. “Ultrasun is fully confident in our testing protocols. Our record speaks for itself, providing UVB and UVA protection for over three decades,” a spokesperson commented. Morrisons, meanwhile, maintains that their sunscreen products undergo comprehensive efficacy and safety testing and highlighted a more recent test confirming their sun spray achieves the SPF claimed on the packaging.
For consumers, the distinction between UVA and UVB rays is vitally important — UVA rays penetrate deeper, contributing to skin ageing and longer-term cancers, while UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburn and surface damage but are just as dangerous in terms of potential for causing melanoma. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings, which range from 2 to 50+, measure protection against UVB, but broad-spectrum protection is required to shield against both types of harmful radiation.
The report from Which? provided a dose of good news for cost-conscious sunseekers. Budget picks such as Aldi’s Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+ (just £2.99 for 200ml) and Lidl’s Cien Sun Spray 30 SPF High (£3.79 for 200ml) not only passed both UVA and UVB protection tests, but also garnered praise for being affordable whilst still offering dependable sun safety.
In addition, a further 11 products passed all safety tests, including widely available names such as Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30, Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30, and Sainsbury’s Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion SPF30. These findings suggest consumers do not need to overspend to keep themselves and their families shielded from the sun — supermarket own-brands and recognisable high street options can be a wise and economical choice.
Natalie Hitchins, Who? head of home products and services, expressed unease over the results. “It’s really concerning that widely available sunscreens could be putting families at risk by failing to offer the protection levels declared on the packaging. However, our results also show you don’t have to pay a premium for safe and effective sun protection—Aldi and Lidl can keep you safe without stretching your budget.”
Both Ultrasun and Morrisons have stated they are reviewing the findings and will collaborate with suppliers and independent laboratories for further analysis. The controversy highlights the need for transparency and consistent testing in skincare, particularly as sun safety is critical in preventing skin cancer, which remains one of the most prevalent cancers in the UK.
As the summer approaches and consumers prepare to stock up on sun care, these findings may prompt many to reconsider old habits and pay closer attention to labelling and third-party endorsements. The Which? report serves as a reminder that price does not always reflect quality, and ongoing vigilance is necessary to ensure products on British shelves deliver the protection they claim.