Foundation Warentest uncovers significant flaws in various sunscreen products

In its latest test, Stiftung Warentest has crowned the Eucerin sun protection spray, along with own-brand products from Edeka and Rossmann, as the best sunscreens of 2024 for people with oily and acne-prone skin.

The test, which focused on sunscreens with SPF 30 and 50, also determined the best options for sensitive skin. Avène's "Dry Touch" sun milk, designed for those with sensitive skin, received high marks for its LSF 50 protection and a Dry-Touch formula that absorbs quickly and leaves a dry, non-greasy skin feel.

However, the test also revealed that the UV protection of some well-known brands' sunscreen products was much lower than what manufacturers claimed. The plasticizer is often found as a contaminant in sunscreens containing the UV filter DHHB, and the "Tropic Glowing Protection" sun lotion from Hawaii was found to contain the harmful substance benzophenone, which has been banned in the EU since 2023 and is considered carcinogenic.

The sun protection lotion from the medical skincare brand Sebamed also failed the test, as it was found to contain the banned substance DnHexP.

People with very fair, sensitive, or sunburn-prone skin should use an SPF of 50, while a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended for daily protection. It's also important to note that a good sunscreen should have both UVA and UVB protection.

Stiftung Warentest has also tested sunscreens for the face and determined the best ones. The "Lacura Sun Sonnenspray 'Schutz & Pflege'" from Aldi, for example, offers UVA and UVB protection with an LSF of 50 and contains moisturizing and nourishing ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, and vitamin E.

The sun milk with LSF 50 from the DM own brand Sundance can also convince, with a water-resistant formula free from octocrylene and microplastics.

Some products, like the "Sensitive Expert+" sun milk from Garnier, did not pass the test, as they did not meet the claimed UV protection and also contained octocrylene.

The latest Stiftung Warentest test rated the Eau Thermale Avène Sonnenmilch Dry Touch with at least factor 30 as the best sunscreen, praised for reliable sun protection, absence of harmful ingredients, easy application, and quick absorption. Eight sunscreens received the top rating of "very good" in the test.

In conclusion, it's important to use the right sunscreen for your skin type and to be aware of the potential harmful substances in some products. Always check the label and consider testing a product before using it extensively.