Skimping on Sunscreen? Not so Fast!
Inexpensive Sunscreens Top Test Charts: Picking Budget-Friendly Options for Summer Protection
Here's a reality check from Stiftung Warentest's latest testing in 2025. High-priced sunscreens might not always mean superior protection, as seven products fell short of their promised UV protection, with three of the most costly being among the faulty bunch! One expensive sunscreen spray, priced around 36 euros per can, was among the disappointing list.
But wait, the good news here is that you don't need a deep pocket to get reliable sun protection. Two winners, rated 1.5, were the inexpensive Lidl's "Cien Sun Sun Milk" (1.46 euros per 100 milliliters) and Müller's "Lavozon Sun Milk" (1.48 euros per 100 milliliters), both offering an SPF of 30. If you desire higher protection, you can find it among the top performers like the "Sundance Sun Milk" from DM (1.88 euros per 100 milliliters) with an SPF of 50.
Among the tested products, nine received a "Good" rating, offering consumers a vast selection of reliable options. However, relying on previous test results may not give you a 100% guarantee as formulations change from year to year. Keep in mind that those former top performers may now perform poorly, and vice versa.
Now, the bright side! Stiftung Warentest found only a few products containing potentially hazardous ingredients, such as increased concentrations of potentially carcinogenic benzophenone in one sunscreen spray and in small amounts in three others. The critical softener DNHP was found in only one product.
Don't be fooled by the price tag! Opt for affordable yet effective sunscreens like Rewe's Today Sun Transparentes Sonnenspray and dm's Sundance Sonnenspray LSF 50, offering cost-effective UV protection.
Some other good-quality yet budget-friendly sunscreens are:
- Eau Thermale Avène's Sonnenmilch Dry Touch LSF 50, rated "Very Good" but slightly pricier.
- Garnier Ambre Solaire's Hydra 24H Protect + LSF 30, rated "Good" and moderately priced.
- Nivea Sun's Schutz & Pflege Sonnenspray Citracell-Protect LSF 30, also rated "Good" and relatively affordable.
Science reveals that high-priced sunscreens don't always ensure superior protection, as demonstrated by Stiftung Warentest's 2025 test where several expensive products fell short of promised UV protection. However, health-and-wellness conscious individuals can find reliable sun protection at a reasonable cost, such as through skin-care products like Lidl's "Cien Sun Sun Milk" and Müller's "Lavozon Sun Milk", which offer SPF 30 at affordable prices. Nutrition and skin-care go hand in hand, as consistent use of sunscreens with their recommended SPF protects against harmful UV rays, contributing to overall health-and-wellness.
