VKI test shows: – Some sunscreens do not provide UV protection

In total, a small majority managed to convince with nine products. According to consumer advocates, the products of Today (transparent sun spray), Nivea Sun (protection & care), Sun Kiss (sun milk sensitive) and Sundance (sun spray) are good and cheap. The tested sunscreens were purchased in supermarkets, drugstores and pharmacies.

Neither price nor brand is a criterion
In principle, consumers should not be guided by price or brand. The quality fluctuates every year, according to a VKI publication. Most importantly, the product reliably protects the skin against UVA and UVB radiation – also against premature skin aging and skin cancer. A spray and a cream “fail to provide both UVA and UVB protection – so severely that they provide virtually no protection at all.” One of these products was also the most expensive at 44.39 euros per 100 milliliters.

Banned plasticizers in three products
The plasticizer DnHexP, which is banned in cosmetics under EU regulations, was found in three other products. The substance can be created as a contaminant during the production of a UV filter. According to the VKI, this could be avoided, but the concentrations found were so low that no acute health risk arose.

“In principle, we continue to recommend using sunscreen liberally,” says project manager Birgit Schiller. Also use a high sun protection factor and apply cream several times a day. Other well-known tips include avoiding the midday sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and wearing a sun hat or textile cap.