Consumer NZ rejects Cancer Society’s sunscreen testing claims

Consumer NZ rejects the Cancer Society’s response to the results of its latest testing.

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said its test of the Cancer Society’s Kids Pure Low Irritant Sun Lotion SPF50+ showed it provided high protection (SPF41), but not the very high protection claimed.

Ms Chetwin said the Cancer Society product was tested by an accredited lab and was a 10-person test carried out according to the voluntary Australian and New Zealand sunscreen standard (AS/NZS 2604:2012).

“We provided the opportunity for the Cancer Society to send us its own test results for the product. It provided results for a three-person test, not the full 10-subject test we’d expect given the difference we found in the product’s SPF.”

Ms Chetwin rejected the Cancer Society’s claim that Consumer NZ’s results were compromised by the fact it decanted the sunscreen into a light-proof container before sending the sample to the lab.

“It’s common for samples to be sent blind in this way and the sunscreen was packed according to the lab’s instructions,” she said.

“Rather than attacking us, we suggest the Cancer Society put its resources into its own sunscreen testing programme.”


Consumer NZ is a non-profit organisation. In addition to our product tests, we investigate consumer issues and campaign to improve consumer rights. But we're not government-funded and don't take advertising, so we rely on revenue generated from membership to fund our work in getting all New Zealanders a fairer deal. Consider supporting us today. Join us, and become a member at consumer.org.nz.