Sunscreens RANKED – from best buys to those to avoid at all costs… as consumer watchdog reveals one ‘ineffective’ £28 cream could pose safety risk
A £28 sunscreen, marketed as ‘perfect for the whole family’, has failed a safety test carried out by Which?—despite claiming to be ‘especially suitable’ for children.
The revelation may have left consumers asking which sun creams they can actually trust.
Consumer watchdog Which? tested 15 popular SPF50 and SPF30 products from high-street names and supermarkets, using strict international safety standards.
Each was assessed for ultraviolet (UV) protection and SPF protection, and rated for ease of use by a panel of volunteers.
Two were labelled ‘Don’t Buys’ after failing key tests, while seven earned a ‘Best Buy’ status, scoring highest overall.
Another two were also labelled ‘great value’ options, for offering people a cost-effective option to protect against the sun’s UV rays.
Signs of skin cancer range from innocuous to obvious, but experts warn that treating cases early is key to making sure they do not spread or further develop
To trial the creams, scientists applied a small amount on volunteers’ backs, before shining a lamp on the patch to simulate the sun’s rays.
The time it takes for the skin to become red was then measured.
In another test, scientists took a sample of the cream and spread it onto a glass plate to measure the absorption of UV radiation directly.
To pass, the sunscreen needed to provide at least one third of the claimed SPF.
For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will take 30 times longer to damage your skin compared to no protection at all.
Here we reveal the full list of 2025 test results, ranked from most to least effective.
SPF30 Recommendations
The bargain product was given the ‘great value’ seal of approval by the watchdog, after the panel found it passed both key tests, was easy to apply and ‘smelled great’.
They did, however, note it felt ‘a bit greasy on skin’ after application.
Which? said the product offered ‘excellent UVA and UVB protection’.
UVA and UVB protection are both crucial in sunscreen because they address different types of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can raise the risk of skin damage and cancer.
UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper, causing premature aging and wrinkles.
The product offers ‘first class SPF and UVA protection’, Which? said. But, the watchdog noted, the skin did feel a ‘little tacky after application’.
The consumer watchdog had no major concerns with the product it said and provides exactly the level of sun protection that it claims.
The factor 30’s to avoid
After testing the product twice, Morrisons sun spray failed to provide the ‘claimed level of protection from UVB rays’, Which? said. Ultrasun’s SPF30 passed the SPF test but failed the UVA test, Which? also claimed
Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30
Price: £3.75/200ml
After testing the product twice, Morrisons sun spray failed to provide the ‘claimed level of protection from UVB rays’, Which? said.
After informing Morrisons of its results, the supermarket giant told Which? it was looking closely at the data and working with its supplier to carry out additional independent testing.
Ultrasun Family SPF30
Price: £28/150ml
Ultrasun’s product passed the SPF test but didn’t meet the minimum required UVA level for an SPF30 product in either the initial or repeat test.
Responding to the findings, the company said: ‘Ultrasun is fully confident in our testing protocols.
‘As an independent brand delivering very high UVB and UVA protection options for over 30 years, our detailed testing processes continue to not only meet but surpass industry standards.
‘Our chosen testing protocol is one of the strictest available, and our UVB and UVA filters are tested both in-vitro and in-vivo.
‘We conclusively support the results of our independent tests which found the Ultrasun Family SPF30 reached a UVB-SPF in vivo of 31.4 and a UVA-PF in vitro of 13.1, which equates to a 92% UVA absorbance.’
SPF50 Recommendations
Aldi’s offering was given the ‘great value’ stamp of approval by Which.
It’s a ‘great option if you want a very high-factor sun cream, and is designed for people with sensitive skin,’ the watchdog said.
It’s only downside? It didn’t absorb as easily as other sunscreens into the skin, it added.
Which? said it had no major concerns with the product and it provides exactly the level of sun protection that it claims.
Garnier’s SPF50 spray passed both tests and was ‘easy to apply’, the watchdog said.
But it noted, the product—which is sold at the likes of Asda, Boots, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s—was an expensive option.
One of the most recognisable products on the market, Nivea’s SPF50+ spray passed both SPF and UVA tests.
It’s only downside, Which? said, was the cost.
The watchdog said Sainsbury’s spray provides the level of sun protection it claimed it does and there were no major downsides to the product at all.
SPF50+ Children’s Recommendations
Boots’ SPF50+ option passed both SPF and UVA tests. It is also a cheaper option than the only other children’s sunscreen option—Childs Farm.
Which? said the product offers ‘excellent sun protection’ and passed both key tests.
The sunscreen, sold online on Amazon as well as in Boots, does ‘feel a bit greasy’, it noted.
