Sunscreen test – which is the best? Stiftung Warentest 2019
Every year, the sun products of the cosmetics manufacturers are tested again: luxury brands and cheap manufacturers – which sun cream is the best? Every summer we read again: "The best sunscreen is the cheapest at the same time" – sounds wonderful, but is it true?
In fact, among the products rated as "very good" in 2019, there are also cheap ones, such as the Ombra Sun Ultra Sensitiv sunscreen from Aldi and the Elkos Sun sun milk from Edeka, as well as the Test winner Sundance sun milk (SPF 30) from dm – for just 1.23 euros per 100 ml!
Inexpensive = good? Sunscreen doesn't have to be expensive!
In fact, we are amazed every year that many cheap own brands of supermarkets and drugstores do so well. And in the summer of 2017, the sunscreens from Elkos (Edeka own brand) and Sundance (dm) again received top marks, as did the products from Aldi (Ombra sun milk from Aldi Nord and Ombia Sonnenmilch from Aldi Süd), Sôl sun spray from Real and Sun ozone von Rossmann performed well. But also the sun lotion from Ladival (without perfume, dyes and preservatives) from the pharmacy was rated very well.
However, one aspect of the sunscreen tests was classified as difficult: sunscreen with the addition of "waterproof". Manufacturers only have to observe very loose guidelines to be able to write it on the packaging. And even if only half of the sun protection is guaranteed after bathing, it can be called "waterproof".
We have tested other sun products and checked their suitability for everyday use.
Sun protection – what does the sun protection factor actually mean?
The sun protection factor (SPF) is crucial for protection against sunburn. Many think that a high sun protection factor protects long-term and well against sunburn. And that you only have to apply diligent cream to extend the protection period that has expired.
And indeed: re-creaming is important! Because sweating, abrasion and swimming reduce the protective cream film. Sunscreens must be applied more often (about once an hour) so that the protective effect remains.
Of the Sun protection factor indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun based on your skin's natural protection time. If a light skin type's own protection time is ten minutes and they use sunscreen with sun protection factor 30, they can stay outside 30 times longer without risking sunburn.
Important on the subject of sun protection factor:
A sunscreen with Sun protection factor 30 already blocks 97 percent of the sun's rays, For products with a higher sun protection factor, slightly more sun rays are blocked, but no sunscreen can protect 100 percent from the sun's rays. The latest sun creams advertise with a filter of 90 or 100. However, experts warn against using these extremely high sun protection factors to weigh yourself in false safety and prolong sunbathing.
Sunscreen, sunscreen or sunspray – which is better?
Which texture of a sunscreen you choose not only depends on your personal preferences, but also on your skin type. Normal skin can wear anything – either this skin type chooses its favorite texture or, depending on its age, a sun protection product with combined anti-aging ingredients.
Oily skin tolerates a light gel texture better than a rich cream or milk. There are also matting textures for the face and BB creams tinted for skin imperfections with a high sun protection factor.
Dry skin is well advised with sunscreen that contains nourishing ingredients such as olive oil or sea buckthorn. Those with sensitive skin like to use mineral filters or products that contain few chemical filters, no parabens and fragrances. Ingredients such as thermal water, dexpanthenol and vitamin E are found in many sun products for sensitive skin.
Even Hand creams meanwhile often contain sun protection filters (cyclists particularly appreciate this). But also Makeup products such as foundations are developed with light protection (between SPF 15 and 20).
Sun protection – mineral or chemical?
We are more sensitive to sun protection than ever before. Because UV radiation causes the skin to age faster and makes it more susceptible to skin cancer. An important question when choosing sun protection is the question of the filter. There are chemical and mineral filters (mostly titanium dioxide or zinc oxide). We explain everything about mineral sunscreen in our special.
Mineral sun protection filters
Mineral filters contained long, coarse white particles and therefore colored the cream skin white. In the meantime, however, they have been reduced to such small sizes that mineral sun protection is no longer whitewashed.
Advantage: The mineral sunscreen protects immediately after application, because the reflection of the sun's rays works right after application. It is hardly allergenic and protects very well because it adheres extremely well to the skin.
Disadvantage: You have to rub it in well so that full protection is guaranteed and really no white film remains. Since the white particles have meanwhile been reduced to the size of nanoparticles, mineral filters are also being criticized: the nanoparticles may represent a health problem. However, there is a lack of studies to prove this – here we provide an article on nanoparticles in Sunscreens. However, there are also many mineral sunscreens without nanoparticles – which, however, then leave a light white film on the skin.
Chemical sun protection filters
Chemical sun protection filters also protect against UVA and UVB rays and penetrate quite well into the outer layer of the epidermis. It takes 20 to 30 minutes for them to work completely. You should take the time into account before going into the sun. Chemical filters are also criticized. Certain UV filters are suspected of having hormonal effects in the body. Others to trigger allergies.
Chemical UV filters also create residues in the environment, and many sunscreens are supplied with microplastics, which can later be detected in fish and breast milk. The damage they can cause has not yet been proven.
Also important: Chemical UV filters decompose after 3 to 6 months. So: replace the sunscreen regularly.
If you are unsure whether your sun lotion contains dangerous ingredients, you can use the Codecheck app to check the ingredients – it shows which ingredients are harmful, that is, they can have a bad effect on health and damage the environment.
And if you are just looking for a light sunscreen for your face – or foundations that contain a sun protection factor – we recommend great products and tips for makeup with a sun protection factor. In addition: Which sun cream is suitable for sun allergy, how important sun protection is for hair and what needs to be considered for sun cream for children.
Video tip: sweating between the breasts
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