Spring has arrived and with it the first sunny days that invite you to be outdoors. Like every year, Altroconsumo has published the results of its test on facial sun creams with a protection factor of 50 and 50+, analyzing 10 of the best-selling products in pharmacies, perfumeries and large-scale retail trade. And this year there is news that deserves to be told immediately.
The big surprise: Vichy rejected
The most sensational result concerns the Vichy Capital Soleil Velvety Face Cream 50+, the only product that failed in the entire test with a score of only 13 points out of 100 and a “low” quality rating. A surprise, considering that it is a medium-high range brand sold for around 20 euros.
The reason for the rejection is serious: the UVB protection measured in the laboratory corresponds to an SPF 30, not the 50+ declared on the label. As Altroconsumo points out, «if a solar product does not comply with the declared protection factor it creates a false perception of safety for those who apply it, which can be dangerous».
The good news: almost all the others promoted
Beyond the Vichy case, the 2026 test returns an overall positive picture. Almost all the creams analyzed really protect what they promise – a result that is far from obvious, considering that in the 2024 test, five products did not respect the declared protection factor. A significant improvement, which shows how many manufacturers have revised their formulas after that debacle.
The complete ranking
At the top of the ranking there are two products that also obtain the recognition of best purchase, thanks to high scores and accessible prices around 13 euros:
| Product | Points | Format | Price | Judgment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilboa Ohi Vita-Mina Face 50+ | 70/100 | 40ml | €13.21 | Excellent — Better than the test |
| Nivea Sun Daily Fluid Invisible 50+ | 69/100 | 40ml | €13.34 | Good |
| La Roche-Posay Anthelios Fluid Invisible 50+ | 67/100 | 50ml | €20.52 | Good |
| Bionike Defense Sun Face Cream 50+ | 67/100 | 50ml | €17.51 | Good |
| Kiko Sun Protection Cream Face SPF 50 | 66/100 | 50ml | €15.67 | Good |
| Avène Fragrance-free Cream SPF 50+ | 64/100 | 50ml | €19.33 | Good |
| Collistar Sun Face Cream SPF 50+ | 64/100 | 50ml | €27.67 | Good |
| Eucerin Hydro Protect Fluid SPF 50+ | 57/100 | 50ml | €18.43 | Average |
| Bottega Verde Sol Sensitive Skin 50+ | 57/100 | 50ml | €28.00 | Average |
| Vichy Capital Soleil Velvety Cream 50+ | 13/100 | 50ml | €20.40 | Low |
The Bilboa is the only one to obtain the “excellent” rating and is the best in the test. Together with the Nivea and the Kiko it also receives the title of best buy: they cost less than many alternatives with lower scores.
Are the ingredients safe?
In general yes, and compared to the past the situation has improved. Only Bottega Verde Sol Pelli Sensitivi 50+ contains an ingredient that is not recommended: ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, a sunscreen considered a potential endocrine disruptor, i.e. a substance that could interfere with the hormonal system. For this reason the product was penalized in the overall rating, despite being effective in protection.
The Achilles’ heel: the environmental impact
It’s the weak point of the entire category. None of the creams tested exceeds two stars on the environmental front: the ingredients are mostly toxic for the marine ecosystem and all the products are sold with an external cardboard box that Altroconsumo defines as “completely useless”. A few more points go to those who use recycled plastic or containers designed to minimize waste.
How to use them correctly
Even the best cream isn’t much use if applied poorly. To obtain the protection indicated on the label you need about a teaspoon of product just for the face — in practice, many consumers use only a quarter of it, drastically reducing the actual protection. And remember: no cream filters 100% of UV rays. It must always be combined with virtuous behavior: avoid the sun between 11am and 4pm, wear a hat and glasses, and reapply the product after every swim.
