Sunscreens
Sunscreen products sold in New Zealand must meet mandatory requirements to help ensure SPF claims are reliable and products perform as expected.
What you need to know
Sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation and can reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVB radiation, which is one of the causes of sunburn. Generally, higher SPF ratings provide more protection, but no sunscreen can provide complete protection from UV radiation.
The Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act 2022 introduced mandatory requirements for sunscreen products sold in New Zealand. These requirements help ensure sunscreen products are tested and labelled consistently, so consumers can have greater confidence in the protection they are purchasing.
These requirements apply to:
- all sunscreens
- any insect repellents with a SPF of 4 or more
- skincare products with an SPF greater than 15.
What you need to do
The sunscreen standard requires sunscreen products to be labelled with:
- an SPF rating that is clearly displayed and durable, and
- clear instructions explaining how to use the product.
Using sunscreen products
When purchasing sunscreen, check:
- the SPF rating is clearly displayed on the label
- the product is within its expiry date
- instructions for use are provided
- the product is supplied by a reputable retailer or supplier.
Follow the product instructions
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying and storing sunscreen.
Sunscreen products should include instructions for use on the label. Following these instructions can help ensure the product performs as intended.
For information about protecting yourself from UV exposure and staying safe in the sun, visit Health New Zealand's sun safety guidance.