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Date Published: 18/06/2024

Summer sun protection: Spain addresses concerns over popular sunscreen brands

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Several sunblocks widely available in Spain were found to offer far less protection than their labels promised

Summer sun protection: Spain addresses concerns over popular sunscreen brands

The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) is committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic products, especially those we rely on to protect us during sunny days. Following a recent evaluation, they have provided an important update regarding several sun creams sold in supermarkets across Spain.

Back in May, the Agency became aware of a study by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) that claimed three best-selling creams failed to provide the level of sun protection claimed on the label.

AEMPS took swift action, ordering the offending brands off the shelves and requesting additional information from the companies involved to verify the sun protection factor (SPF) and UVA protection claims.

After reviewing the initial data, AEMPS observed differences between the OCU's test results and those provided by the companies.

Here’s the latest update.

Three of the companies have provided additional studies, using different batches than those tested by the OCU, to demonstrate compliance with their labelled SPF and/or UVA protection claims. AEMPS has carefully evaluated this new information and adjusted their actions accordingly:

For the VICHY Capital Soleil Crème Onctueuse Protectrice SPF 50+, the company provided tests for a different batch (54XN02) than the one tested by the OCU (54X200). AEMPS has decided to allow the continued marketing of this product, except for batch 54X200, which has been recalled.
BIOTHERM Waterlover Face Sunscreen SPF 50+: Prestige & Collections International also provided tests for a different batch (40WD00) than the OCU's (40X300). AEMPS has concluded that this product can continue to be marketed, except for batch 40X300, which must still be removed from the market.
ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF 50: While the OCU's tests indicated potential issues with the UVA protection claim, ISDIN provided additional tests on the same batch (30541F) using official methods. AEMPS continues to find no reason to take action against this product.

However, several more popular sunblock brands continue to have labelling issues. AEMPS has highlighted the following products and restricted sales:

RITUALS Invisible Sun Protection Face Cream SPF 50+ RITUALS
- Cease marketing of the product and withdraw batch 0832913 from the market.
NIVEA Sun Sensitive facial protection SPF 50
- Cease marketing of batch 32032276.
LANCASTER Sun Sensitive Oil-Free Milky Fluid SPF 50
- Cease marketing of lot 3157.
PIZ BUIN Hydro Infusion Sun Gel Cream Face SPF 50
- Cease marketing of lot 1362V A.

In relation to RITUALS Invisible Sun Protection Face Cream SPF 50+, AEMPS has been informed by the company that it is carrying out additional tests on the product. As soon as the results of these tests are available, AEMPS will evaluate the information and update this information note if necessary. Regarding the rest of the products, the AEMPS has not received additional studies.

It's important to note that no sunburn incidents related to these products have been reported to the Spanish Cosmetovigilance System.

Also of interest: UV protection in Spain—These are the top 10 sunscreens according to consumer experts

Image: Pixabay

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