Consumer Reports Study: Many Sunscreens Not As Effective As Advertised

NEW YORK (CBS) – Is your sunscreen keeping you safe?

Maybe not, according a new study by Consumer Reports.

The magazine tested 65 lotion, sprays and sticks that claim to have an SPF of at least 30. An eye-opening 43 percent were found to be not as effective as advertised, leaving people vulnerable to skin cancer, sunburn and wrinkles.

Banana Boat and CVS sunscreen for kids (Image credit CBS This Morning)

Banana Boat and CVS both sell SPF 50 sunscreens for kids. But Consumer Reports said they only tested to be SPF 8.

"It's a big difference," Consumer Reports Deputy Content Editor Trisha Calvo told CBS This Morning.

Click here to view related media.

Both of those sunscreens are mineral-based, and Consumer Reports recommends choosing a chemical sunscreen of SPF 40 or higher for the best possible protection.

CVS and Banana Boat say their products meet FDA requirements and are labeled correctly.