Budget sunscreens outshine premium brands in shocking 2025 UV protection test

A new test by Stiftung Warentest has revealed major inconsistencies in sunscreen quality for 2025. While some budget brands outperformed premium options, seven products failed to provide adequate UV protection. Three of the worst performers also contained questionable ingredients previously flagged in earlier tests.

Out of 26 sunscreens tested, only eight earned the top rating of 'very good'. Aldi's Lacura Sun Protective & Nourishing Sunscreen Spray took first place with a score of 1.5, proving that affordability does not always mean lower quality. Similarly, Lidl's in-house brand offered the cheapest top-rated SPF 30 option. Half of the highest-rated products came from discount store brands, challenging the idea that expensive sunscreens are always better.

Meanwhile, some previously well-rated products fell short this year. Rossmann's 2024 top-rated sunscreen is now among the worst, while Vichy's *Capital Soleil Hydrating Sunscreen Spray* failed to deliver its advertised SPF 50 protection. On the other hand, *dm's Sundance Sensitive Sunscreen Spray* scored a 1.6 ('good') and provided reliable UV defence. Three products stood out for the wrong reasons. *Nivea Sun Schutz & Pflege LSF 50+*, *dm BIO Sonnencreme LSF 50*, and *Rossmann Sonnen Spray LSF 30* contained problematic ingredients like octocrylene and avobenzone—chemicals also found in poorly rated sunscreens from previous years, such as *Eau Thermale Avène Sonnenspray LSF 50+* (2023) and *La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray LSF 50* (2024). Despite their high SPF claims, their UVA protection levels (ranging from PF 14 to PF 37) were deemed insufficient. Surprisingly, some of the most expensive products were among the seven that failed to meet UV protection standards. This inconsistency highlights how performance does not always align with price or brand reputation.

The 2025 test results show that consumers cannot rely on brand names or past ratings when choosing sunscreen. Budget-friendly options from Aldi and Lidl outperformed several premium products, while some previously trusted brands now rank among the worst. With seven products failing UV protection tests and three containing concerning ingredients, shoppers are advised to check updated reviews before purchasing.