12 Jun 2025

Sunscreens fail to meet SPF claims

From Checkpoint, 4:25 pm on 12 June 2025

Research out of Australia has revealed that 16 out of 20 sunscreens, many of them sold in New Zealand, do not meet their SPF claims. One product, which sells in New Zealand for around $50, claimed to provide SPF 50 protection, but was found to have an SPF of just four. Aussie consumer group Choice tested 20 sunscreen products from household brands, including Banana Boat, Nivea and Neutrogena. Their research tallies with previous testing carried out by Consumer NZ. Consumer NZ research writer Belinda Castles spoke to Lisa Owen.