German suncream test finds 7 brands offer insufficient UV protection

German consumer organisation Stiftung Warentest has published its annual assessment of suncream sold in Germany. In 2025, seven suncreams were found to offer insufficient UV protection.

Stiftung Warentest tests 26 suncreams sold in Germany

After testing 26 different factor 20, 50 and 50+ suncreams for adults sold in German supermarkets and shops, Stiftung Warentest has found that seven of the tested products do not offer customers sufficient protection from UV rays.

The products offering insufficient protection included: Eco Cosmetics’ Sun Lotion (average price 26,90 euros), Sol de Janeiro (36,00 euros), Coola Classic Sunscreen Spray Guava Mango (30,00 euros), Vichy Capital Soleil (25,50 euros), REWE’s today sun 50+ (5,49 euros), Rossmann’s Sunozon Sonnenmilch 50+ (3,71 euros) and Rossmann’s Sunozon Transparent 50+ (4,52 euros).

Stiftung Warentest explained that customers who use these products are protected for less time, and they should only really be used when spending a little time outside on a cloudy summer’s day. “It is obviously annoying for customers that three of the most expensive products don’t deliver the UV protection that they advertise,” the publication wrote, adding that price was not an indicator of quality.

Affordable suncreams performed well in 2025 test

The “winner” of Stiftung Warentest’s 2025 suncream test underlined that high prices don’t ensure quality. Of the 26 sun protection products the organisation tested in 2025, Aldi’s Lacura Sun Sonnenspray Schutz & Pflege 50+ (4,95 euros) was declared the “winner”. DM’s Sundance 50+ (5,75 euros) and Lidl’s Cien Sun Sonnenmilch (3,65 euros) were also awarded a “very good” rating.

However, Stiftung Warntest warned customers that, even when using the test winner sun creams, the products will only be effective if applied properly. The German Cancer Association (DKG) advises using between 30 and 40 millilitres of suncream per person, the equivalent of around three to four tablespoons.

If you want to know whether sun cream is necessary, you can check the German Weather Service (DWD) for up-to-date information on UV radiation across the country.