Consumer Reports tests best sunscreen lotions and sprays

Sunscreen is essential to guard against sunburn, skin damage and cancer.

Most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen that delivers an SPF or sun protection factor of 30 of higher.

Consumer Reports tested a wide variety of lotions and sprays to see if they deliver.

Nearly three-dozen sunscreens were tested to see if they live up to their claims - particularly the all-important SPF claim.

When you choose a sunscreen, most people check the SPF. That's supposed to indicate the amount of protection you get from the sun's UVB rays, which cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.

To test, technicians applied sunscreen to panelists' backs and have them soak in a tub for 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the product's water-resistance claim. Then the area is exposed to UVB light.

The next day, the test area is examined for redness.

The tests revealed a cause for concern.

"Almost a third of the sunscreens we tested had SFP's below what they promised. If you aren't getting the protection you think you are, that could be a problem," said Trisha Calvo of Consumer Reports.

For example, Banana Boat Sport Spray claims an SPF of 50 plus, but only averaged an SPF 24.

And the Yes To Cucumbers Natural sunscreen claims an SPF 30 but averaged only 14.

You also want a sunscreen that's effective against UVA rays, which are linked to skin damage and cancer. Sunscreens that promise "broad spectrum" should provide both UVA and UVB protection.

But in Consumer Reports' lab tests, some of the sunscreens didn't adequately guard against UVA rays.

"The worst is this Aloe Gator Gel. It really fell down when it came to UVA protection," said Calvo.

Consumer Reports did find 15 sunscreens to recommend.

These are named Best Buys: No-Ad Sport SPF 50 lotion for $10. And from Wal-Mart's Equate brand, Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 for $8 and Ultra Protection lotion SPF 50 for $9.

Consumer Reports included several sunscreens that contain minerals as their active ingredients - either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

None of the five are recommended because they didn't deliver adequate broad spectrum protection.