Report: Some Sunscreens Contain Less SPF Than They Claim

Before you bask in this weekend's sunshine, you'll need to protect yourself with some sunscreen. But a new report claims many of the brands you see in the store don't work as well as they claim.

Consumer Reports tested 20 brands and almost all of them had an SPF below what was listed on the packaging.

Beyond Coastal Natural sunscreen and Banana Boat Kids were the worst offenders; their actual SPF was below 15 despite claiming twice as much or more.

The best sunscreens offer broad spectrum protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which are linked to skin aging. Both types of ultraviolet rays contribute to skin cancer.

Walmart's Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50 and Target's Up & Up SPF 50 Sport Spray were ranked as best buys, according to Consumer Reports.

The group also recommends three spray-on sunscreens: BullFrog Water Armor Sport InstaCool SPF 50+, Walgreen’s store-brand sunscreen called Well at Walgreens Sport SPF 50 and Banana Boat Ultra Defense Max Skin Protect SPF 110.

Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 and Neutrogena Ultimate Sport SPF 70+ lotions were also recommended.

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