In the summer of 2021, ÖKO-TEST tested after-sun products. While some cheap products do very well or well in the test, three well-known brands cannot convince the experts.
After a day in the sun, it’s especially important to keep your skin hydrated.
A common misconception about using after sun creams is that they can soothe sunburn or repair skin damage caused by the sun. They only serve to moisturize and refresh the skin.
It is therefore particularly important to apply plenty of UV protection before and during sunbathing. The results of the Stiftung Warentest show that good products do not have to be expensive. The test winner is the inexpensive own brand from dm. You can read more sunscreen test results here.
After-sun products at ÖKO-TEST
Back to after-sun care: ÖKO-TEST tested 17 conventional and eleven natural cosmetic products. The laboratory tested the ingredients for allergenic fragrances, preservatives, controversial PEG compounds and questionable UV filters, among other things.
The environmental impact of the packaging of the after-sun products was also included in the assessment. This test shows once again that good quality does not have to be expensive. The price range of the tested products is between 95 cents and over 50 euros for 200 milliliters of cream.
Of the test winner Among the conventional after-sun creams is the Bevola Après Lotion After Sun from Kaufland for just under 1.20 euros. In terms of natural cosmetic products, Rossmann took first place with its own brand Alterra Après Sun Lotion Bio-Aloe Vera.
Well-known brands fail
Compared to the test winners, the losers of the after-sun creams are the more expensive products. The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Ultra-Light After Sun Lotion for just under 8 euros at 200 milliliters, the Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion at just under 30 euros per 200 milliliters and the Rituals The Ritual of Karma After Sun Hydrating Lotion for a good 15 euros per 200 milliliters the grade 6 (“insufficient”). In addition to artificial fragrances, the reason for this is plastic compounds and other harmful ingredients.
The following three after-sun products are also “poor” (grade 5) and therefore not recommended:
- Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun Moisturizing Milk by L’Oréal
- Piz Buin After Sun Soothing & Cooling Moisturizing Lotion by Johnson & Johnson
- Ideal Soleil Soothing After-Sun Milk by Vichy
With the latter, the results are particularly disappointing since the Vichy cream is a pharmacy product.
You can read the detailed test report Read it for a fee at ÖKO-TEST.