Consumer Reports tested dozens of lotions, sticks and sprays. Shockingly, nearly half don't measure up.
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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.
$12, walmart.ca
Photo: Aveeno$7, walmart.ca
Photo: Equate$9, walmart.ca
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