Knowledge of the Markings and Marketing Declarations for Sun Protection Products

Abstract

Information, in the form of written messages or symbols, placed on the packaging of cosmetic preparations, including sunscreen preparations which are so important for health, is a valuable source of consumer knowledge about a given product. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of markings and marketing declarations. Moreover, to obtain information regarding which markings the respondents pay attention to and which of them they associate with the high quality of sunscreen preparations. The respondents' opinion on the usefulness of selected statements was also examined. A total of 201 respondents, purposively selected, participated in the quantitative study using a proprietary survey questionnaire. Research results indicate that the knowledge of markings and marketing declarations is unsatisfactory. 11.4% of the respondents stated that they did not know any of the quality labels presented in the survey. It was shown that the respondents pay special attention to the information and the symbol indicating protection against UVA (ultraviolet type A) and UVB (ultraviolet type B) radiation. They also believe that this translates into a high quality of the photoprotective preparation. A significant proportion of the respondents expect sunscreen preparations to include the guidelines for the proper selection of a product for the type of skin and the level of exposure to sunlight, as well as information on the exact amount of preparation that should be applied to the skin to achieve the protection level indicated on the packaging.