People are being advised to "avoid" a brand of suncream by a consumer watchdog.
Which? testers compared various sun lotions to see which offered the best protection. Following the test, they advised consumers to avoid Avon's Refreshing 3-in-1 Face and Body Sun Lotion SPF30, claiming it "did not come close to hitting its claimed SPF30".
However, Avon said it had investigated the specific batch and said it "stands behind" its own data and that of independent labs which have tested the product, reports Birmingham Live. Responding to the claims, Avon said: "The safety of our customers is our priority and that's why our expert skincare team produces the most effective sun care formulas.
"Upon hearing from Which? Avon has engaged its Quality and Research and Development teams to investigate the specific batch of product that Which? tested. Avon stands behind its data and that of the independent labs which conduct our testing."
Meanwhile, a cheap supermarket own-brand sunscreen beat products seven times the price in the comparison test. Asda came out top, with several of its items passing the sun protection tests while also being very affordable. The grocer's Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 cost just £3 for a 200ml and contained all the UVA and UVB sun protection claimed, while also absorbing easily, panellists said.
Which? also found that Asda's Protect Refreshing Clear Sun Spray at £4 for 200ml was easy to apply and did not leave any visible residue after application. This one also contained the required SPF and UVA protection.
In their feedback, testers said that Asda's offering 'outshone' Ultrasun's £22 Family SPF30. Although both were 'highly effective' against UV, Ultrasun was not as easily-absorbed and left visible traces on the skin.
Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: "It is great to see cheaper sunscreen options available on the high street and in supermarkets at a time where consumers need affordable options." She added: "Our advice is to stick to a tried and tested suncream. Do not be fooled into thinking that paying a higher price will definitely mean a better or safer product as our testing proved a supermarket own brand product can do the job well."
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