Sun cream

[Patsy]

I know you stress “from personal experience” (from which I cannot speak as I haven’t been on a “hot sun” holiday for years) but Which? do annual reviews of sun creams, where they examine the stated protections. Worth a glance, if only for the ‘fails’. So, in case it’s of interest to you or anyone else, the ones which did well in their tests this year and they rate most highly are as follows - not a long list, I’m afraid. I think the prices given are all per 200ml.

• Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 (£3)
• Asda Protect Refreshing Clear Sun Spray SPF30 (£4)
• Boots Soltan Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30 (£4)
• Boots Soltan Protect & Moisture Spray SPF30 (£4.50)
• Superdrug Solait Moisturising Sun Cream Lotion SPF30 (£3.59)
• Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture SPF30 Lotion (£6)

Also, last year’s report said to avoid the below:

• Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Care Protective Sun Lotion SPF30 : twice failed SPF tests
• Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Protective Sun Milk SPF30 : around 2/3 of its SPF 30 claim
• Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Fragrance-Free SPF30 : failed to provide even 2/3 of its SPF30 claim
• Tropic Skin Shade Sun Cream SPF30 : failed SPF tests twice and insufficient UVA protection
• Ultrasun Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 : expensive and failed to provide the stated SPF/UVA protection
• Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Body SPF30 (£26) : pricey and barely provided 1/3 of its claimed SPF
• Green People Scent-Free Sun Cream SPF30 : SPF satisfactory but failed UVA protection tests
• Avon Refreshing 3-in-1 Face & Body Sun Lotion SPF30 : didn’t come close to hitting SPF30 claim [Avon are apparently investigating]

They also tested a number of SPF50 creams which all seem to be “kids” versions - I suppose sun protection for children should be the best and no reason why you can’t use it (unless it is blue, as at least one of them is!). A number of those rated well and are Best Buys if you want me to list them?

Calypso,made in Manchester was rated highly on Which last summer I think.
Ultrasun failed iserably on that list as well if I remember. I did list it on here but no idea what thread it was on as we do tend to go off topic quite a bit.

 

[candycane]

I burn in snow and I've always used Avon factor 50 or Boots factor 50. It has worked just as well as all the expensive brands I've used. I've used the Lidl kids one as well and it was fine. One thing though, I don't swim much so if you're in the water a lot then you might be better of with a product that doesn't need to be reapplied.

CC

 

[madaunty]

Calypso,made in Manchester was rated highly on Which last summer I think.
Ultrasun failed iserably on that list as well if I remember. I did list it on here but no idea what thread it was on as we do tend to go off topic quite a bit.

Was this it? Though it transpired that Ultrasun did not fail testing.

Oh dear UltraSun

Article in the daily mail about sunscreen sPF50 that pass and those that failed. Ultrasun Family SPF50 failed. It's that the one usually in TSVs? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12202959/Warning-one-branded-sun-cream-failed-safety-tests.html

forum.shoppingtelly.com

 

[jordie_tart]

I looked at Ultrasun on Q as I need a decent quality one for a Caribbean cruise - albeit in Nov sun but I think it will still be the hottest I’ve experienced for some years.

Before I buy, do you all think Ultrasun is the best, most effective or do you have suggestions for other brands, from “personal experience” please ?

Thanks

I use aldis lacura spf 30 for all my holidays including a Caribbean cruise earlier this year

 

[Patsy]

Was this it? Though it transpired that Ultrasun did not fail testing.

Oh dear UltraSun

Article in the daily mail about sunscreen sPF50 that pass and those that failed. Ultrasun Family SPF50 failed. It's that the one usually in TSVs? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12202959/Warning-one-branded-sun-cream-failed-safety-tests.html

forum.shoppingtelly.com

No it was a Which report.

 

[May]

I burn in snow and I've always used Avon factor 50 or Boots factor 50. It has worked just as well as all the expensive brands I've used. I've used the Lidl kids one as well and it was fine. One thing though, I don't swim much so if you're in the water a lot then you might be better of with a product that doesn't need to be reapplied.

CC

Yes Avon brilliant

 

[llloyd]

Calypso,made in Manchester was rated highly on Which last summer I think.
Ultrasun failed iserably on that list as well if I remember. I did list it on here but no idea what thread it was on as we do tend to go off topic quite a bit.

I use Calypso once a day factor 30. I used to use Riemann P20 but found it stained my clothes, Calypso imo has the same qualities without the stain. Both of them smell strongly of alcohol, but work very well. I know I have said on here before that I use Malibu miracle tan as a pre & post tan product and I love it and prefer it to Gatineau.

 

[May]

I burn in snow and I've always used Avon factor 50 or Boots factor 50. It has worked just as well as all the expensive brands I've used. I've used the Lidl kids one as well and it was fine. One thing though, I don't swim much so if you're in the water a lot then you might be better of with a product that doesn't need to be reapplied.

CC

Yes Avon brilliant however I like the once apply ( accept for swimming if coursse and when sweating a lot ) I’ve just looked on website and can’t see the once apply … took our adult sons many years ago as teens to Spain and chased my boys around with the Avon youngest son is red head .. we came back and sis in law said “ I thought you went to Spain “ we were all the same colour as before we got there it worked that well

 

[ERICS MUM]

Having had my younger sister die from malignant melanoma when she was 39, my life chances changed dramatically. I am much blonder and paler skinned than she was and never tanned, just going lobster and peeling back to my natural pale self. I have used Ultrasun 50+ for the last 20+ years...and have even managed to tan with it. I have sensitive skin and use it on my face where I have significant scarring on my nose after a severe face trauma. By mixing the honey tint and original face I use it instead of foundation...the honey on it's own was too dark for me. I particularly like the convenience of the face and scalp spray...which I have also used on my arms and legs when I haven't planned being in the sun.
I'd say go for it, in a high factor to protect yourself, you can always return it if you don't like it.
Have a wonderful holiday xx

Thanks for this. So sorry about your sister. I’ve list 2 friends in their 40’s from the same disgusting disease and the sun scares me know.

I looked at the Ultrasun scalp & face mist but it gets poor reviews for not lasting long, 6-8 sprays was mentioned. Makes it expensive.

 

[ERICS MUM]

I know you stress “from personal experience” (from which I cannot speak as I haven’t been on a “hot sun” holiday for years) but Which? do annual reviews of sun creams, where they examine the stated protections. Worth a glance, if only for the ‘fails’. So, in case it’s of interest to you or anyone else, the ones which did well in their tests this year and they rate most highly are as follows - not a long list, I’m afraid. I think the prices given are all per 200ml.

• Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 (£3)
• Asda Protect Refreshing Clear Sun Spray SPF30 (£4)
• Boots Soltan Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30 (£4)
• Boots Soltan Protect & Moisture Spray SPF30 (£4.50)
• Superdrug Solait Moisturising Sun Cream Lotion SPF30 (£3.59)
• Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture SPF30 Lotion (£6)

Also, last year’s report said to avoid the below:

• Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Care Protective Sun Lotion SPF30 : twice failed SPF tests
• Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Protective Sun Milk SPF30 : around 2/3 of its SPF 30 claim
• Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Fragrance-Free SPF30 : failed to provide even 2/3 of its SPF30 claim
• Tropic Skin Shade Sun Cream SPF30 : failed SPF tests twice and insufficient UVA protection
• Ultrasun Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 : expensive and failed to provide the stated SPF/UVA protection
• Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Body SPF30 (£26) : pricey and barely provided 1/3 of its claimed SPF
• Green People Scent-Free Sun Cream SPF30 : SPF satisfactory but failed UVA protection tests
• Avon Refreshing 3-in-1 Face & Body Sun Lotion SPF30 : didn’t come close to hitting SPF30 claim [Avon are apparently investigating]

They also tested a number of SPF50 creams which all seem to be “kids” versions - I suppose sun protection for children should be the best and no reason why you can’t use it (unless it is blue, as at least one of them is!). A number of those rated well and are Best Buys if you want me to list them?

Thank you so much. Details of SPF50 brands would be fab but I don’t want to put you to any more trouble. xx

 

[ERICS MUM]

I burn in snow and I've always used Avon factor 50 or Boots factor 50. It has worked just as well as all the expensive brands I've used. I've used the Lidl kids one as well and it was fine. One thing though, I don't swim much so if you're in the water a lot then you might be better of with a product that doesn't need to be reapplied.

CC

Good point, I do swim and snorkel so need to factor this in. Thank you.

 

[TimeForADrySherry]

I've never understood the hype around Ultrasun, but if it works for you, that's great. I would never accept that a sunscreen/block is a once a day application, that just doesn't stand up to the science of protecting skin from sun.
I've worked with a dermatologist, and it was always the French pharmacy type sunscreens, particularly La Roche-Posay, which they recommended. I believe that Ultra Violette is now similarly recommended as reliable protection by specialists, as the science is bang up to date.
I hope you find something that suits, Eric's Mum, I know it can be a minefield. I have very fair, sensitive, post-menopausal skin, so something has to be aimed at that sort of easily burned skin to get my attention.

 

[slinky]

I've just got back from a beach and pool holiday in the 36c Mallorcan heat. Our accommodation was up in the hills so the sun was even stronger. My son 12 and I are fairly olive skinned but husband is whiter than white and freckly. None of us burned one bit and none of us got prickly heat. We always use Ultrasun. This time it was the Big Deal. I'll try and find a pic but it was factor 50 aerosol spray/factor 20 glimmer lotion (fine for the males!) and factor 30 lip protection

 

[ERICS MUM]

Thanks again. I’ve got a few weeks to decide !

 

[amn]

I've been using this for years and have always been more than happy with it......

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B5EEOES/?tag=shoppingcom03-21

They do an SPF40 version too if you're expecting a lot of sunshine though...

Robot Check

I've never been tempted by Ultrasun as I really don't think you should have to spend a fortune for sun protection as long as you can find something that works for you.
If Calypso can sell for a reasonable price, God only knows what the profit margin on Ultrasun really is.

We’ve used this for years as well always been super happy with it. I also use the Boots Soltan once a day factor 30 for face as my moisturiser through the summer / when away.

 

[mina]

I've always used Ultrasun factor 30 or occasionally 50 for my very fair skin and once a day has always worked for me so I'm wary about trying anything else, fwiw. But I have wondered about the cost, though one bottle does me a whole season or more of UK sunshine.

 

[jacqualina]

A bit late, but we go diving in The Maldives every year and both use Ultrasun. It has always worked without fail, even in and out of the sea in wetsuits all day. Obviously you can't arrive in the tropics and spend eight hours in the full sun on day one and you do need to be sensible considering your skin type. The sun will be very strong in the Caribbean in November, even on cloudy days.

 

[ERICS MUM]

A bit late, but we go diving in The Maldives every year and both use Ultrasun. It has always worked without fail, even in and out of the sea in wetsuits all day. Obviously you can't arrive in the tropics and spend eight hours in the full sun on day one and you do need to be sensible considering your skin type. The sun will be very strong in the Caribbean in November, even on cloudy days.

Very useful thanks, and not late because I haven’t bought everything yet. I found Ultrasun 50 anti-ageing for the face in Tesco last week for £11, being £24 for same size on Ultrasun’s own site. Got the last two, Chuffed ! That’s £26 saved towards their body and lip stuff.

 

[May]

Very useful thanks, and not late because I haven’t bought everything yet. I found Ultrasun 50 anti-ageing for the face in Tesco last week for £11, being £24 for same size on Ultrasun’s own site. Got the last two, Chuffed ! That’s £26 saved towards their body and lip stuff.

Nice one

 

[Skatz123]

Another good face cream is la Roche posay anthelios factor 50. A bit more expensive but boots often have 3 for 2 offers.

I can totally agree with this - it comes in factor 30 as well. I have horrendous sun allergy skin and this is the only thing I can use. I had a dreadful reaction from ultra sun but I know some people who love it.