A new warning from Consumer Reports finds that your sunscreen may not be providing as much protection as you think.
Consumer Reports tested 65 lotions, sprays and sticks marked with an SPF 30 or higher. They found that 43 percent tested below the advertised SPF level.
"We found that two sunscreens with 'Kids' in their named claimed an SPF 50+ and in our tests tested at an SPF 8," Trisha Calvo, Consumer Reports deputy editor for health & food, said. "Those were CVS Kids Sun Lotion SPF 50+ and Banana Boat Tear Free, Sting Free Kids Sun Screen Lotion."
Both CVS and Banana Boat reject Consumer Reports testing methods. CVS said its own FDA approved testing showed "no indication that our product has an SPF lower than 50."
Banana Boat said that its product "met the rigorous specifications in our manufacturing and testing process."
Consumer Reports did release its list top brands, finding that chemical-based sunscreens performed better than mineral-based products. It now recommends users look for an SPF label higher than 30, which is also recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
"If you go for a higher number, you have the best chance of getting at least an SPF of 30," Calvo said.
ABC News chief health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser said the most important thing is to apply lotion at least every two hours.
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