Seven in 10 sunscreens fail SPF claims in New Zealand test
The findings highlighted the need for regular independent testing in a country with one of the world's highest skin cancer and melanoma rates.
A startling New Zealand study has revealed that seven out of ten sunscreens fail to live up to their advertised SPF protection levels. Consumer NZ, a consumer advocacy group, tested 10 popular sunscreens and found that only three met their claimed SPF protection. One sunscreen labeled SPF50 only provided the protection of SPF14.
Despite the disappointing results, all 10 products met the broad-spectrum protection requirements based on their tested SPF levels, according to the group's statement. Belinda Castles, a researcher at Consumer NZ, emphasized the importance of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer in New Zealand, where skin cancer and melanoma rates are among the highest globally.
The findings underscore the need for regular independent sunscreen testing, as there are currently no guidelines specifying how frequently sunscreens should be tested. Consumer NZ previously discovered that some companies relied on outdated test reports.
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