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The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreens

Consumer Reports tested dozens of lotions, sticks and sprays. Shockingly, nearly half don't measure up.

By Today's Parent
The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreens

Photo: iStockphoto

Consumer Reports slathered, sprayed and rolled on 65 sunscreens with SPF claims of 30 or higher for its 2016 Sunscreen Guide. (The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB with an SPF of 30 or higher.) The results? Not so great. A whopping 43 percent of the sunscreens tested failed to meet the SPF claim on the label. Plus, there weren't a lot of kid’s lotions that scored well.

Whatever product you choose, keep in mind that you shouldn't apply sunscreen to infants six months and younger. Consumer Reports recommends using lotion or sticks for kids; sprays should only be used as a last resort, as kids are more likely to inhale the ingredients. If you are using a spray, it’s better to spritz it into your palm and then rub it on your kiddos. And remember to apply it 15 minutes before you leave the house, layer it on thickly, and reapply often.

Here are 10 of Consumer Reports' top picks.

consumer reports top sunscreens

La Roche Posay - Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk


The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: yesstyle.ca

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection SPF 70

$25. amazon.ca


The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: Amazon

Ocean Potion Protect & Nourish Sunscreen Lotion

$11 USD, amazon.com


The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: Amazon

No-Ad Sport Sunblock Lotion

$43 for pack of 2, canadabeautysupply.ca


The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: canadabeautysupply.ca

Up & Up Ultra Sheer SPF 30

$5 USD, target.com

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The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: intl.target.com

Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50

$54 canadabeautysupply.ca


The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: canadabeautysupply.ca

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 30

$12, walmart.ca

The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: Aveeno

Equate Sport Sunscreen Continuous Spray

$7, walmart.ca

The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: Equate

Banana Boat SunComfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+

$9, walmart.ca

The results are in: Consumer Reports' best (and worst!) sunscreensPhoto: Banana Boat

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