Not All Sunscreen Is Created Equal: What Consumer Reports Found This Year

You’d think slathering on any sunscreen with a high SPF number would be enough to protect your skin during Sacramento’s scorching summer days. Turns out, that’s not how it works—and Consumer Reports just proved it in a big way.

The organization tested over 100 sunscreens this year, and the results were eye-opening. Many products failed to deliver the level of protection their labels claimed. Here’s the kicker: some sunscreens from the same brand performed wildly differently from one another. To test SPF, or sun protection factor, Consumer Reports technicians applied controlled amounts of product to skin samples and exposed them to ultraviolet B rays—the ones responsible for sunburn and skin cancer risk. For water-resistant formulas, testers dunked themselves in a tub for up to 80 minutes before UV exposure, simulating real swimming conditions. They also measured UVA protection, the rays linked to premature aging and skin cancer, by shining UV light through sunscreen-coated plates.

The winners? Coppertone Water Babies Lotion SPF 50 earned a perfect overall score and topped the lotion category, while Eucerin Advanced Hydration Spray SPF 50 came out ahead among sprays. But here’s what really matters: any sunscreen is better than none, according to Consumer Reports’Trisha Calvo. The real problem isn’t just which product you buy—it’s how you use it. Most people don’t apply enough. You need about one ounce (roughly a shot glass full) to cover your entire body, and you should reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. Sprays add another layer of complexity. They’re convenient, sure, but they’re easily blown away by wind and can be inhaled. If you’re using a spray, apply until your skin glistens, then rub it in thoroughly.

For those of us in Sacramento dealing with 100-degree heat and intense UV exposure, Consumer Reports recommends choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and checking the actual test ratings—not just trusting what the label promises. This summer, that extra minute spent reading the fine print could save your skin from serious damage down the road.