Three big brands fail major sunscreen test amid 'incredible concerning' results

Three popular sunscreen products have failed an annual safety test by consumer group Which?

Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 High, Calypso Press & Protect Sun Lotion SPF30 and Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion all fell short in the watchdog's tests assessing their SPF and UVA protection. Asda said it did not recognise the results, while Calypso maintained its product passed EU standards and regulations in independent testing.

Which? revealed that Calypso's Press & Protect lotion, priced at £8 for 200ml, only achieved two-thirds of its claimed SPF30 in both tests. The watchdog reported that Asda's Protect Moisturising lotion failed both rounds of testing.

For the first time this year, Which? tested face-specific sunscreens, discovering that the Bondi Sands SPF50+ product, costing £7.99 for 75ml, fell significantly short of the claimed SPF and did not meet the minimum required UVA protection.

However, Lidl's Cien Sun Spray SPF30, priced at £3.29 for 200ml, excelled in the testing and provided excellent all-round skin protection. Another budget brand, Aldi's Lacura SPF30 Sun Lotion, priced at just £2.49 for 200ml, also passed the SPF and UVA tests. Lidl's Cien Kids Sensitive Sunscreen Spray 50+, priced at £3.29 for 200ml, was also found to meet its SPF and UVA protection claims.

Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products and Services at Which?, voiced her concerns: "It is incredibly concerning that some big brands failed our tests and did not offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging."

She also pointed out a positive note for consumers: "However, it is great to see cheaper top quality sunscreen options available on the high street and in supermarkets at a time when shoppers