Safety Concerns Emerge as Morrisons and Ultrasun Sunscreens Fail Tests

Recent safety evaluations conducted by consumer advocacy group Which? have raised significant concerns regarding popular sunscreen products from Morrisons and Ultrasun, which failed to meet established SPF and UVA protection standards. This alarming revelation comes amid a broader analysis of sunscreen efficacy, highlighting the importance of reliable sun protection, particularly for families during the height of summer.

The annual testing by Which? revealed that Ultrasun Family SPF30, priced at £28 for a 150ml bottle, was unable to meet the minimum UVA protection levels required in two separate assessments. The product scored 9.1 and 9.5 in retests, falling short of the 10 or above threshold mandated for passing. Similarly, Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30 failed to provide adequate UVB protection, achieving scores of 25.7 and 20.7, below the required SPF rating of 30.

According to Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products and Services at Which?, “It’s really concerning that widely available sunscreens could be putting families at risk by failing to offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging.” This sentiment underscores the necessity for consumers to remain vigilant when selecting sun protection products.

The tests included various brands, with Aldi’s Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, retailing at just £2.99 for 200ml, receiving high marks for both UVA and UVB protection. Lidl’s Cien Sun Spray SPF30, priced at £3.79 for 200ml, also passed all necessary safety tests. Other successful brands included Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30, Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30, and Sainsbury’s Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion SPF30.

In response to the findings, a spokesperson for Ultrasun stated, “Ultrasun is fully confident in our testing protocols. We have been delivering very high UVB and UVA protection options for over 30 years… Further detail and clarification from Which? on their testing protocols would also be helpful.” Meanwhile, Morrisons acknowledged the results and indicated they are collaborating with suppliers for further independent testing.

The implications of these findings extend beyond mere consumer awareness. As highlighted by Dr. Emily Carter, a Dermatologist at the University of London, “Effective sun protection is crucial to prevent skin damage and various types of skin cancer. The efficacy of sunscreens can drastically affect public health outcomes.” Dr. Carter emphasizes the need for regulatory bodies to ensure rigorous testing protocols for all sunscreen products.

This situation brings to light significant concerns regarding product safety in the consumer market. Histories of sunscreen failures have prompted discussions about regulatory oversight in the cosmetic and personal care industry. The current findings may push for stricter regulations and more transparent testing results to safeguard consumers.

As summer approaches, experts recommend that consumers remain informed about product safety and efficacy, emphasizing the importance of selecting sunscreens that have been independently verified for their protective qualities. The Which? findings serve as a critical reminder that not all products labeled as sunscreens provide adequate protection against harmful UV rays, necessitating a closer examination of consumer choices in sun protection.