Chemical test repetition for every test substance.
Skin Cancer Prevention: Discrepancies in Sunscreen Protection Factors Exposed in Study
Frankfurt, Germany - The June 2025 issue of the magazine "Öko-Test" reveals that not all sunscreens deliver the high sun protection factor indicated on their packaging, based on a recent study. The test results were confirmed using a new test standard that allows for meaningful measurements without human skin exposure.
The "Öko-Test" crew refrained from exposing humans to potential skin damage during their tests. The new test standard now enables accurate measurements. "We did not want to put anyone at risk due to our tests," the testers wrote.
The study examined 26 sunscreen products with high or very high protection. Within these products, 15 delivered the declared protection factor. One product even exceeded the declared factor. However, the remaining 11 products displayed lower protection than promised, with ten providing less than three-quarters of the stated protection. One product fell considerably short, offering a protection factor below 20, earning it the grade "inadequate."
"Öko-Test" also investigated the presence of questionable ingredients, focusing on the banned softener DnHexP, which might impair fertility. The study discovered DHHB in nine sunscreens, but they were free of the softener. However, DnHexP was found five times in the products, with four containing it only in trace amounts. One cream was found to have an amount of the softener that earned it an "inadequate" grade. Fortunately, none of the detected DnHexP amounts posed an immediate health risk, according to "Öko-Test."
Twelve sunscreens received a "good" grade, and two were rated "very good" by "Öko-Test." These affordable winners to ensure safe sun protection include "Sun D'Or Sonnenmilch 50" by Budni or Edeka and "Sundance Sonnenmilch 50" by Dm, at 3.57 euros per 200 milliliters and 3.18 euros per 200 milliliters, respectively.
Science and health-and-wellness are intertwined, as shown in the study conducted on sunscreen products, which focuses on skin-care and skin cancer prevention. The study reveals that some sunscreens do not deliver the protection factor as declared, suggesting a need for closer scrutiny in the health-and-wellness industry's sunscreen production.
