does your sunscreen do what it says?

Forums › Health and fitness › does your sunscreen do what it says?

Batman

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#321538 26-Aug-2025 23:11

https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/11-sunscreens-sold-in-new-zealand-didn-t-meet-spf-claims-as-revealed-by-an-australian-test

SPF results in 50+

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+ – tested at 72
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50 – tested at 56
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50+ Hydrating Sunscreen – tested at 51
SPF results in the 40s

Nivea Sun Kids Ultra Protect and Play Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ – tested at 41
Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture Lock SPF 50+ Sunscreen – tested at 40
Sun Bum Premium Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion 50+ – tested at 40
SPF results in the 30s

Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ – tested at 35
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen – tested at 32
Invisible Zinc Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 – tested at 38
SPF results in the 20s

Banana Boat Baby Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ – tested at 28
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Zinc Mineral Body Lotion – tested at 26
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Lotion SPF 50 – tested at 24
Woolworths Sunscreen Everyday Tube SPF 50+ – tested at 27
SPF results <10

Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen – tested at 4

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#3407696 27-Aug-2025 00:42

Then you realize most of the big local brands last tested themselves in 2017/18 and several refuse to tell consumer who they test with today..

snj

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#3407697 27-Aug-2025 00:55

These tests have been floating around for a couple of weeks now, and I recall the TGA (Australia's rather strict regulator) made a couple of statements about it.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/565956/princeton-consumer-research-lab-tested-all-eight-sunscreens-that-failed-spf-claims is worth a read, it seems the testing process can be a little subjective, but one of the labs used (and in common with some of the worst testing products) might've had flawed methodology. But knowing that the methodology can be a bit subjective and hence flawed that way probably explains why we see these reports every couple of years when Choice run their batch of tests, I just don't recall the previous times a sunscreen recording so low under the claimed SPF.

Batwing

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#3407758 27-Aug-2025 08:03

As a sort of aside, what's with all the spf 15 products marketed as daily or face moisturisers, next to useless surely.

mkissin

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#3407765 27-Aug-2025 09:06

Batwing:

As a sort of aside, what's with all the spf 15 products marketed as daily or face moisturisers, next to useless surely.

Not really? I use one if I'm going to be inside most of the day but potentially with a few minutes walking to/from a bus or whatever. I hate the feeling of most sunscreens and have sensitive skin, so it's a ton better than nothing.

Obviously no good for a day at the beach, but use the appropriate tool and whatnot.

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#3407780 27-Aug-2025 10:10

snj:

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/565956/princeton-consumer-research-lab-tested-all-eight-sunscreens-that-failed-spf-claims is worth a read, it seems the testing process can be a little subjective, but one of the labs used (and in common with some of the worst testing products) might've had flawed methodology. But knowing that the methodology can be a bit subjective and hence flawed that way probably explains why we see these reports every couple of years when Choice run their batch of tests, I just don't recall the previous times a sunscreen recording so low under the claimed SPF.

The US based Princeton Consumer Research was started by 2 Brits after their UK firm Euroderm collapsed amid reports of fabricated data. They claimed to be exonerated but the evidence was never tested in court. The prosecution just withdrew the case. With all the names available for the new company I call BS to calling it Princeton and then having a disclaimer on the website that it had nothing to do with Princeton University.

The company statement "PCR are industry experts in claims substantiation studies and pride themselves on their ability to provide the relevant study designs and procedures necessary to substantiate each specific claim in-keeping with the most current regulations" smells like "Give us the result you need and we'll see what we can do."

Eva888

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#3407793 27-Aug-2025 10:54

Invisible zinc may as well be at zero protection. Bought some and it dribbles a couple drops of yellow liquid then blocks up with a blob of white glug. Taking it back to C Warehouse when I remember.

Would love to find a natural zinc based one that actually flows.

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#3407825 27-Aug-2025 12:37

Eva888:

Invisible zinc may as well be at zero protection. Bought some and it dribbles a couple drops of yellow liquid then blocks up with a blob of white glug. Taking it back to C Warehouse when I remember.

Would love to find a natural zinc based one that actually flows.

Interesting to hear that - as I use Invisible Zinc and swear by it. In terms of a block to feel lightweight its truly horrific, but its the only one I have found which lasts over the course of hours esp when doing physically intense sports. My use case is for half ironman races, so through a swim, ride and run over the course of 5+ hours....if I don't want to get burned (and don't care about the feel/weight or the clothes it might get on etc), this is the first one I reach for. Hasn't let me down yet.

I just wish that there was something as effective but felt lighter weight when on - although I feel its probably that heavy physical presence that offers much of the protective layer.

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#3407842 27-Aug-2025 14:15

E3xtc:

Eva888:

Invisible zinc may as well be at zero protection. Bought some and it dribbles a couple drops of yellow liquid then blocks up with a blob of white glug. Taking it back to C Warehouse when I remember.

Would love to find a natural zinc based one that actually flows.

Interesting to hear that - as I use Invisible Zinc and swear by it. In terms of a block to feel lightweight its truly horrific, but its the only one I have found which lasts over the course of hours esp when doing physically intense sports. My use case is for half ironman races, so through a swim, ride and run over the course of 5+ hours....if I don't want to get burned (and don't care about the feel/weight or the clothes it might get on etc), this is the first one I reach for. Hasn't let me down yet.

I just wish that there was something as effective but felt lighter weight when on - although I feel its probably that heavy physical presence that offers much of the protective layer.

Does yours clog up and splurt out in a mix of yellow water and blobs of zinc? If not maybe mine is a faulty batch. Can’t even get it out of the dispenser. I so want it to work.

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#3407858 27-Aug-2025 16:49

I use invisible zinc as well sometimes when hiking.

However, I’ve long since switched over to long ultralight long sleeved tops and a wide brimmed hat. Only need to put the sun cream on my legs if I’m wearing a hiking skirt in the summer.

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#3407888 27-Aug-2025 19:59

TwoSeven:

I use invisible zinc as well sometimes when hiking.

However, I’ve long since switched over to long ultralight long sleeved tops and a wide brimmed hat. Only need to put the sun cream on my legs if I’m wearing a hiking skirt in the summer.

you’re most likely fine, but many people aren’t aware that fabrics also have a SPF rating. I’ve seen sun umbrellas with surprisingly low values!

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#3407952 27-Aug-2025 20:54

I've had a few melanomas removed, I think the best sunscreen now is a building.

But if I have to go out in the yellow death rays , I use Neutrogena or the La Roche range.

Good choices it seems.

Banana Boat have been rubbished for years by Fair Go, looks like they are still getting away with it.

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alasta

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#3408053 28-Aug-2025 10:52

I really like La Roche Posay but have tended not to buy it due to it being about double the price of alternatives.

As I am prone to skin cancer, the recent testing makes me think maybe I should just suck it up and go with it.

E3xtc

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#3412845 9-Sep-2025 11:14

Eva888:

Does yours clog up and splurt out in a mix of yellow water and blobs of zinc? If not maybe mine is a faulty batch. Can’t even get it out of the dispenser. I so want it to work.

Nope, just plain white paint. No separation or discoloration :D

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#3421468 4-Oct-2025 11:41

This topic is back in the news https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/10/02/dozens-of-sunscreens-pulled-from-shelves-in-aus-over-spf-claims/

Apparently many brands share the same base formulation. Why there's such a variation in test results is a mystery. Some results are so poor it points to missing ingredients.

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#3421520 4-Oct-2025 12:17

alasta:

I really like La Roche Posay but have tended not to buy it due to it being about double the price of alternatives.

As I am prone to skin cancer, the recent testing makes me think maybe I should just suck it up and go with it.

Due to the price I use La Roche Posay on my face and use cheaper stuff on other parts of the body.

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