Central residents looking for a reliable sunscreen can now choose brands that are transparent about how often their products are tested.

An online database has been launched by Consumer NZ, which allows New Zealanders to see what brands are willing to reveal how often their sunscreens are tested.

Consumer NZ research and test writer Belinda Castles said an overwhelming 92 per cent of people think companies should be required to regularly test their products to ensure different batches meet their label claims.  

However, it is not a requirement under the mandatory sunscreen standard.  

"Our independent testing over many years has found companies often rely on tests that are several years old to support claims. We don't think this is good enough for a product that needs to protect us from the sun's harmful UV rays,” she said.

Consumer NZ asked more than 90 companies selling sunscreen in New Zealand for information about when and where their products have been tested.

“Thirty brands came back to us with up-to-date information about their tests, product ingredients and claims. We have compiled this information into our new database, which is free and available to all New Zealanders.” 

The database also has information about sunscreen ingredients, SPF and water-resistance claims, sunscreen type and price.

Several companies, including Beiersdorf (Nivea), and Edgewell Personal Care (Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic) declined to provide product information or say when or where their sunscreen was tested, referring Consumer to the industry body, Cosmetics NZ, for further comment.

Cosmetics NZ general manager Martha van Arts said most of the information requested by Consumer was publicly available, and all sunscreens now for sale in New Zealand must comply with the Sunscreen Act and standard.

“Whether a sunscreen is a global brand or independent brand with small distribution, it must be tested for safety and efficacy, specifically with regards to SPF claims,” Martha said.

While Consumer acknowledges that may be the case, the watchdog believes there is no valid reason for companies not to disclose when and where their sunscreens were tested.

“Until now, it has been impossible for consumers to know when or where a product was tested. We have designed and created this database to give New Zealanders the information they want and need.”

For more information about Consumer’s call for safer sunscreens, head to the campaign hub on its website.