Consumer Reports found that sunscreens didn’t meet the SPF claim on their labels.

SPF (sun protection factor) is usually an important factor for consumers when it comes to choosing a sunscreen. It is basically a relative measure of how long a sunscreen will protect a consumer from UVB rays.

The rays can cause sunburn and skin cancer. It has been recommended by many dermatologists and other experts to use a sunscreen that delivers an SPF of 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks 97% or more of the sun’s UVB rays.

Consumer Reports tested 34 sunscreens and found almost a third of them missed the SPF mark by 16 to 70%. However, out of the sunscreens tested by Consumer Reports, many met their SPF claim and some of the most effective products were also the lowest-priced.

The companies that offered top-notch protection Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 lotion, $10.50 (8 ounces), Equate (Walmart) Ultra Protection SPF 50 lotion, $9.00 (16 ounces), and Banana Boat SunComfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+, $11.00 (6 ounces).

Highest-rated sunscreen was La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk (SPF 60). It received a perfect score of 100. However, its cost was $36.00 for a 5-ounce bottle.

However, Yes To Cucumbers Natural SPF 30 had an average SPF of just 14. Sunscreens from Babyganics, Banana Boat, CVS, EltaMD, Hawaiian Tropic, Walgreens, and Vanicream also had SPF levels below their claims and less than SPF 30.

The report also featured proper sunscreen-applications tips, complete product Ratings. It is available in the July 2015 issue of Consumer Reports and at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Trisha Calvo, Health and Food Deputy Content Editor for Consumer Reports said, “The FDA requires sunscreen manufacturers to test their products and label them correctly. Our findings are troubling because consumers may not be getting the amount of SPF protection they think they’re getting”.