Sunscreen test results

About our test

Our accredited lab tested the sunscreens following the methods in the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2604:2012.

We test against two aspects of the standard: a sunscreen’s SPF (sun protection factor), which measures protection against UVB rays, and its broad-spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB rays).

The standard requires SPF to be assessed using a test panel of 10 volunteers in a lab. Testing on humans determines a sunscreen’s ability to provide protection and stay on the skin without breaking down.

SPF testing

To determine a sunscreen’s SPF number, the sunscreen is applied to a test subject at a rate of 2mg per cm² skin. The sunscreen is evenly spread out and allowed to dry for 15 minutes. A similar-sized area is measured out and left unprotected.

A special lamp, simulating the part of the UV spectrum that causes sunburn, is shone on both areas for varying amounts of time. The next day a technician determines the smallest dose of UV light required to cause redness in both areas and this is used to determine the SPF. Ten people are tested for each sunscreen and the SPF results are averaged.

Broad-spectrum protection

Using a spectrophotometer, the lab measures the UVA protection passing through a thin film of sunscreen on a plate. To pass, a sunscreen has to meet two requirements. It has to reach a “critical wavelength” that ensures UVA protection extends to wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin. Its protection against UVA has to be at least a third of the SPF protection against sunburn.

We didn’t test water resistance.

Test results

Met SPF label claim and broad spectrum claim

Failed to meet SPF label claim but met broad spectrum claim

Failed to meet SPF label claim and broad spectrum claim

Guide to the tables

• Price is from a November 2020 survey based on the pack size we bought.
• SPF protection: Low = SPF label 4-10. Moderate = SPF label 15-25. High = SPF label 30-50. Very high = SPF label 50+.
• Products are listed by SPF in alphabetical order.
• ^Aavailable from Mecca Beauty.
• ^Btest results supplied to support claims.
• ^Cfrom an unidentified lab.
• ^Dfrom AMA Laboratories.