Sunseekers have been advised not to assume more expensive sun cream products after a study in the UK showed that some supermarket own brand products offer better protection that known brands.
Consumer watchdog. Which? compared various sunscreens to see which offered the best protection and found that one "did not come close to hitting its claimed SPF30".
Testers also found that one of the cheapest creams "outshone" its more costly counterparts, with Asda's own brand sunscreen being named victorious. Each cream faced two rounds of consumer testing, with factors like protection and absorption taken into consideration.
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According to results, Avon's Refreshing 3-in-1 Face and Body Sun Lotion SPF30 came out last, as it "did not offer adequate sun protection" as advertised, reports Birmingham live.
The testing association is advising customers to not buy the product, which costs £5.75 (€6.75) for a 150ml bottle. "It's a concern to find a big brand product on the market that has failed our testing and did not offer the level of protection claimed on the packaging," Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said.
"Our advice is to stick to a tried and tested sun cream. Do not be fooled into thinking that paying a higher price will definitely mean a better or safer product as our testing proved a supermarket own brand product can do the job well."
However, Avon said it "stands behind its data and that of the independent labs" which conduct its testing. Responding to the claims, Avon said: "The safety of our customers is our priority and that's why our expert skincare team produces the most effective sun care formulas.
"Upon hearing from Which? Avon has engaged its Quality and Research and Development teams to investigate the specific batch of product that Which? tested. Avon stands behind its data and that of the independent labs which conduct our testing."
In contrast, Asda triumphed in the comparison test as many of its products passed the sun protection test while also costing very little. The supermarket's own-brand Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 costs £3 for 200ml and contained all the UVA and UVB sun protection claimed, while also absorbing easily, testers said in their feedback.
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