Which? has come under fire after it’s report questioning the reliability of SPF values on sun protection products was found to be misleading.

Which? tested the products following international SPF testing methods, several cases resulted in different values to those the manufacturers had stated on the label.

A number of industry insiders have taken issue with the consumer watchdog’s report and said it might engender mistrust in sun protection products that could lead to some consumers abandoning protection altogether.

“We are concerned that their report could lead people to mistrust sunscreen products and stop using them, which could be very dangerous,” told the CTPA’s (Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association) Emma Meredith to Cosmetics Design Europe.

The Which? report claimed the testing guidelines were open to interpretation, which the CTPA wholeheartedly denies. The organisation claimed that measuring UVB doses in units of energy or time, which is permitted under the test method, could lead to different results.

“This in itself shows a complete misunderstanding of the science involved,” said CTPA.

“Variability and false results arise from deviations from the method rather than from the permitted tolerance within it, the science is clear,” added the trade body.

“We are disappointed that their report seemed to call the international SPF testing method into disrepute,” Emma Meredith told Cosmetics Design.