Most of us select a sunscreen using SPF or sun protection factor. But is the number listed on the exterior of the packaging accurate? Not always. Consumer Reports recently tested many brands of sunscreen and found the numbers were 4-40% below the claims.
Only two, Bullfrog WaterArmor Sport InstaCool SPF 50+ and Coppertone Sensitive Skin SPF 50+ provided the coverage listed on their packaging.
The Food and Drug Administration mandates suncreen manufacturers to test their products, but does not verify the testing or require the manufacturer to to report the results. The FDA does require that sunscreen manufacturers meet certain standards in three areas. These are SPF, broad spectrum and water resistence. The FDA will follow up on complaints against the manufacturers but the industry remains primarily self-regulated.
Based on the testing, the following are reccommended:
Lotions
Coppertone Water Resistent Babies SPF 50+
Equate (Walmart) Ultra Protection SPF 50+
No-Ad Sport SPF 50+
Coppertone Sensitive Skin SPF 50+
Well (Walgreens) SPF 50+
Sprays
Bullfrog Water Armor Sport InstaCool SPF 50+
Up & Up (Target) Sport 50+
Well (Walgreens) Sport 50+
Coppertone Sport High Performance CoolZone SPF 30+
CVS Sheer SPF 30+
