The best sunscreen 2025: cheap, safe and highly effective!

The best sunscreen 2025: cheap, safe and highly effective!

Deutschland - The right sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from dangerous UV radiation. Current tests show that high -quality products do not necessarily have to be expensive.

The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) and Stiftung Warentest have checked 19 sunscreens. Of these, seven products were given the grade "very good", with three cheap variants underneath. Seven other products performed well, while two on average and three products, including two of the most expensive. The tested products had light protection factors (SPSF) of 30, 50 and 50+, and the pricing varied strongly, from 2 to 19.77 euros for 100 milliliters.

test winner and results

The test winners are:

• cien Sun (LSF 30)
• lavozon (LSF 30)
• sundance (LSF 50)
• Nivea Sun Schutz & Care Invisible Finish (LSF 50+)
• eau thermal avène sun milk dry touch (LSF 50)
• Eucerin Oil Control Dry Touch Body Sun Spray Transparent (LSF 50)
• la Roche Posay Anthelios Transparent Spray (LSF 50+)

The test reports have also shown that quality fluctuations in sunscreens occur due to changes in recipe. In a tested body spray, benzophenon was found in increased concentration, which is considered potentially carcinogenic. In addition, nine products contained the DHHB UV filter, which is associated with DI-N-Hexylphthalat (DNHEXP), which was demonstrated in a lotion. However, the amount was not an immediate risk.

recommendations for protection

For optimal sun protection, experts recommend using three to four heaped tablespoons of sunscreen for the entire body. It is crucial to apply cream every two hours and apply again after bathing. The right and regular sun protection can make a decisive contribution to avoiding skin cancer, which records considerable growth in Germany. In 2023, over 417,000 skin cancer cases were registered, an increase of 229,000 cases since 2005.

A report by ZDF today points out that awareness of sun protection has increased in the population. Nevertheless, dermatologists warn that the skin “forgets nothing” and that unprotected sunbathing can increase the risk of skin cancer. This is particularly worrying because the number of hospital treatment has increased by 75% due to skin cancer in the past 20 years.

In addition to the general recommendations, Stiftung Warentest also tested 14 sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher for the face. The test showed that good protection does not have to be expensive, since 50 milliliter tubes are available from around five euros. The best products in this category received the grades "good". The test winners include:

• Müller Lavozon Sonnen Fluid (4.25 euros, grade "good" 1.6)
• Eucerin Oil Control Face Sun Gel-Cream (22.45 euros, grade "good" 1.7)
• Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Sonnenschutzfluid (16.24 euros, grade "good" 1.7)
• DM Sundance Med Ultra Sensitive solar fluid (5.25 euros, grade "good" 1.8)
• Rossmann Sunozon Matt Sonnenfluid (4.15 euros, grade "good" 1.8)
• V.Sun Little Sunshine Sun Fluid (21.58 euros, grade "good" 1.8)

It is important to counter the risks of conscious handling of sunscreen and regular secure use in order to avoid skin damage and protect skin health in the long term.