The sun's strong rays can have devastating consequences, but protecting ourselves doesn't have to break the bank. Recent tests by independent organisation Which? have revealed some affordable options that provide top-notch protection against UVA and UVB rays, giving families on a budget a much-needed respite.
Among the standout products are Aldi's Lacura Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 and Lidl's Cien Sun SPF30 Suncare Spray – both of which have passed key sun-safety tests. In fact, four affordable sunscreens have been awarded Which?'s Great Value badge for providing effective protection at a lower price. These include Aldi's Lacura Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 (£2.95), Lidl's Cien Sun SPF30 Suncare Spray (£4.49), Lidl's Cien Sun SPF50+ Kids Sensitive Suncare Spray (£3.95), and Lidl's Cien Sun SPF50+ Sensitive Facial Suncare Lotion (£2.86).
The Which? tests were carried out in an independent lab to ensure that all products met British and international standards for sun protection. The organisation's lead scientist on sun creams, Dr Neal Rimmer, explained the reasoning behind excluding aerosol sun protection sprays from their testing: 'When we test sunscreens in the lab, we use international ISO methods that require aerosols to be degassed – meaning propellants are removed and the remaining liquid is tested. This creates an idealised best-case scenario that may not reflect real-world use.'
It's worth noting that even with these affordable options available, it's still essential to follow sun-safety guidelines set out by Public Health England (PHE), which recommend using a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and reapplying every two hours. NHS guidance also advises applying a sufficient amount of sunscreen, roughly the size of a 50p coin per application.