In brief
A recent Consumer NZ study tested 10 common sunscreens and discovered that seven fell short of their claimed SPF values, including an SPF‑50 product that only offered SPF 14 in laboratory tests. All products still met broad‑spectrum requirements. The findings highlight a gap in regulatory oversight and the need for more frequent testing.
On Thursday, Wellington‑based Consumer NZ announced that 7 of the 10 widely available sunscreens it tested did not meet their advertised Sun Protection Factor (SPF) claims, with the highest‑rated product only delivering SPF 14 in lab conditions.
The testing covered ten brands ranging in price from $4 to $76 per 100ml, according to details reported by the New Zealand Herald. All ten products passed broad‑spectrum protection standards, the group said.
Consumer NZ highlighted a lack of regulatory rules governing the frequency of sunscreen testing, noting that some companies have used reports that are several years old.
"New Zealand has one of the highest skin cancer and melanoma rates in the world," said Belinda Castles, a researcher from Consumer NZ. "Sunscreen plays an important role in preventing skin cancer," she added.
The findings echo earlier investigations by the group that also uncovered outdated test reports being relied upon by manufacturers.
