A new investigation by Choice finds that sunscreen SPF claims are often overstated. This poses significant risks to the safety of public health and erodes consumer confidence. Professor Rachel Neale, a lead researcher on the study, stated that the SPF levels tested were intended mostly for incidental sun exposure. They are not appropriate for long-term uses such as being able to work outside or enjoy a full day at the beach. This exciting news could not have come at a better time, with Australians gearing up for summer, and sun protection being more important than ever.
Inside the study, all but one of the 797 sunscreens tested received a minimum SPF rating of 24+. That means the majority of the products on the market are still doing a good job protecting you from harmful UV rays. What’s resulted is a widespread frustration and confusion among consumers about just how effective their sunscreen of choice is. “The part that remains, of course, are a lot of the questions that consumers rightly had when we relayed our results which were ‘hang on, I use that sunscreen all the time I thought I was getting a 50+ and I’m not… that doesn’t feel like the kind of system it should,’” noted an anonymous source from ABC.
Concerns Over Sunscreen Efficacy
The Choice study reinforces the imperative to understand what sunscreen SPF ratings actually mean. These ratings are critical to the fight against skin cancer. Australian classic “Nambour trial” made headlines with some staggering results. Putting on SPF 16 sunscreen every day in childhood reduces skin cancer risk by 78 percent. Neale stressed that people should wear sunblock with an SPF of more than 20. When used generously and often, it provides a necessary layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
The study further uncovered concerning results for one sunscreen that tested at an SPF of only four. This product was later recalled by its brand after it was found to have not met mandatory safety standards. As Professor Neale stated, “Something went very wrong with those sunscreens that tested at four.” Regulatory agencies, such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), are already investigating this collapse. They are looking into allegations that certain products labeled SPF 50 may not live up to the claims on the label.
Regulatory Response and Consumer Frustration
Ashley de Silva, CEO of Choice, highlighted the fine line regulators must walk. Of course they need to remain focused on protecting the public’s health, but it should not come at the expense of data integrity. The ACCC is going on the offensive in its investigation. It is doubling down on items that may not provide adequate SPF at all. Consumers across the nation are running out of patience. This is particularly the case for consumers who have depended on sunscreen products that falsely claimed to provide superior SPF protection.
A spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) stated, “We have prioritised those products which may pose a higher risk to public health.” They are looking at the data from the Choice study very closely. Once their review is complete, they’ll be making their findings available to the public. “We aren’t ignoring those results, we’re still looking at them. We’re working through a huge volume of data,” the spokesperson added.
In light of these occurrences, consumers should look for different products until the TGA completes its evaluations, which they are expected to do within six months. The multi-state investigation has focused attention on the issue of sunscreen effectiveness and has sparked demands for more transparency when it comes to labeling.
Best Practices for Sun Protection
Despite the concerns raised by the study, health professionals maintain that most sunscreens on the market still offer effective protection against UV radiation. Professor Neale reassured consumers by stating, “The vast majority of sunscreens on our shelves will still have an SPF that is above 20, that was shown by Choice.” She warned that sunscreen should not be the only line of defense against sun damage.
“It shouldn’t be your first line of defence … it’s not a suit of armour,” she advised. She advised you to layer your sunscreen with other forms of protection. Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and stay in the shade when the sun is at its highest!
If you’re confused by sunscreen, stop and read every label with an extra eye towards the ingredients used. Staying informed about new and continuing investigations into the safety of popular consumer products, like cribs. With summer just around the corner, it’s more important than ever for consumers to educate themselves on the pathogen that truly provides effective sun protection.
