A ban on the use of terms such as "sunblock" and "total protection" is being introduced by the European Commission as part of new restrictions on labels used in promoting sunscreen products.
The new labels will also include a new UVA logo on sunscreen bottles and standardised terms ("low", "medium", "high" and "very high" protection) which must be included alongside the traditional SPF (sun protection factor indicators) in order to provide additional guidance for consumers.
The commission has also launched an information campaign on other methods of sun protection.
Consumer affairs commissioner Meglena Kuneva said consumers needed clear and accurate information on sunscreen products so that they could make informed choices.
"We need to reinforce the essential message that sunscreen is only one of a number of measures that are necessary for effective protection against the sun."
The standardised UVA logo on labels will show the minimum level of UVA protection (which increases with the sun protection factor) and is based on a standardised testing method. While UVB radiation is the cause of sunburn, UVA radiation causes premature skin ageing and interferes with the human immune system.
Both types of radiation are important contributors to the risk of skin cancer.
The labelling system is being phased in but will only come into full effect next year. As labels for 2007 have already been printed, only about one-fifth of sunscreen products on sale this summer will feature the new labels.
This does not mean that other products do not provide equivalent levels of UVA protection.