At least eight sunscreens that failed to meet their advertised SPF50 sun protection claims in a recent review had their original tests for certification done by an overseas laboratory whose results are being questioned by industry experts.

In short:

Princeton Consumer Research carried out tests for certification for at least eight sunscreens that fell short of their advertised SPF50 claims in a recent review by consumer group Choice.

Several industry experts have raised concerns about PCR’s testing methodology and calculations.

Both the Cancer Council and the Therapeutic Goods Administration said it was important people continued to use sunscreen as protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

  • modeler@lemmy.worldEnglish
    5·
    2 days ago

    Where else could the energy go?

    It could be absorbed by the material and converted to either

    • a lower wavelength (i.e. uv fluorescence) or
    • heat (eg black cars are hotter than white cars in the sun)

    In both cases the wearer is protected from uv, but the the spf will be found to be artificially low.

    • Balthazar@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      Both of those would be detected as light coming back, but with different spectra and geometry, so fair enough.