Sun creams labeled 50+ which in reality only protect at 30. This is the discovery made by the association UFC-What to choose by testing 13 facial sunscreens labeled SPF 50 or 50+ in the laboratory. Result of the test published this Tuesday: a third of these products do not provide the level of protection displayed.
The number of people affected by skin cancer has exploded in recent decades. It more than tripled between 1990 and 2023. Attributable in more than 85% of cases to excessive exposure to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV), according to Public Health France, they can be avoided thanks to reasoned exposure and the use an effective sunscreen. It still has to be reliable.
Four creams labeled SPF 50 and 50+ lie
UFC-Que Choisir tested the level of UVA and UVB protection of 13 facial sunscreens with factors 50 and 50+. Four creams labeled among them actually only offer protection of index 30. These include the “Lancaster Sun Sensitive Luminous Tan non-greasy milky fluid” index 50, which is nevertheless the most expensive in the test (880 euros per liter!), or the “Vichy capital soleil creamy protective cream” 50+.
“While the 50 and 50+ indices are supposed to provide the highest levels of protection against ultraviolet rays, our tests show that, of the 13 creams tested, 5 do not meet the expected levels of sun protection,” indicates the association.
Formal notice from manufacturers
“In view of the high proportion of potentially misleading labeling, UFC-Que Choisir calls on manufacturers to make their products conform to the displayed indices or, failing that, to withdraw them, and reserves the right to initiate any useful legal action,” said the consumer association.
The UFC-Que Choisir also asks the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) to sanction brands marketing such products, but also to intensify controls and take measures to stop these practices.