A popular sun protection product has been subject to an urgent recall after laboratory testing revealed it fails to provide the level of ultraviolet protection advertised on its packaging. The Hello Sunday brand has issued an immediate stop-use notice for its specific eye cream product, urging consumers to return it for a full refund.
Product Details and Recall Scope
The recall specifically affects Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes SPF 50, which is formally described as a Mineral Brightening Eye Cream SPF50 with peptides in a 15ml tube. The product has been widely available for purchase both in physical stores and through online retailers across the United Kingdom.
Boots, a major high street and online retailer, has confirmed it stocked the item and is actively participating in the recall process. However, the brand has clarified that the product was also sold through various other authorised retail partners, not exclusively through Boots. The recall encompasses all batch numbers and all expiry dates of this specific product, indicating a fundamental issue with its formulation rather than an isolated manufacturing fault.
Reason for the Urgent Action
The decision to recall the product stems from recent test results commissioned by the Hello Sunday brand itself. These tests conclusively demonstrated that the eye cream did not meet the SPF 50 protection level claimed on its product label. An SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, rating is a critical measure of a product's ability to shield skin from harmful UVB rays, which can cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer risk.
In a statement regarding the recall, Boots relayed the brand's findings, stating: "Recent test results by the brand showed that the product failed to meet the level of SPF stated on the product label. As such, the product is being immediately recalled." The retailer has instructed customers to cease using the cream at once and to return it to any Boots store for a full reimbursement.
Brand Response and Consumer Instructions
Hello Sunday has publicly addressed the issue, emphasising its commitment to product efficacy and consumer safety. The brand stated, "At Hello Sunday, the efficacy of our products is treated extremely seriously. As a brand built on transparency, we hold ourselves to the highest possible standards, and we are truly sorry that this product has not met the expected level of performance."
Importantly, the company confirmed it has not received any reports of adverse incidents related to the use of this underperforming sun cream. Nonetheless, the potential risk of inadequate sun protection has prompted the drastic recall action.
For consumers, the refund process depends on where the product was purchased:
- If bought from a Boots store or online, customers should return the item to any local Boots branch for a full refund.
- If purchased from another authorised retailer, consumers are advised to contact that retailer directly to arrange a return and refund.
Hello Sunday has also provided a dedicated customer service email address for further inquiries: customer.service@hellosundayspf.com.
Context and Broader Product Range
Hello Sunday is known for its range of SPF-infused beauty products, which includes items like lip balms, daily moisturisers, and makeup primers. This recall is isolated to the specific eye cream product and does not affect other items in their lineup.
This incident follows other recent consumer product recalls in the UK, highlighting ongoing vigilance in product safety. Notably, a Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner set was recently withdrawn from sale on Amazon after being found to contain Zinc Pyrithione, an ingredient prohibited in cosmetic formulations.
