An independent investigation by CHOICE has tested the efficacy of popular Australian sunscreens and found serious problems. An independent, accredited third-party laboratory performed the laboratory testing. They compared 20 sunscreen products against each other and found that 16 of those 20 sunscreens didn’t even deliver their claimed SPF50 rating. This shocking emergence obviously impacts consumers’ health and safety in myriad ways, making clear the importance of rigorous regulations and robust testing.
Among the products tested, three children’s sunscreens and three offered by the Cancer Council were found lacking in SPF protection. Most of the sunscreens returned SPF results in the 20s, with eight products recording ratings in the 30s and 40s. Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF50+ Mattifying Zinc Sunscreen left us with an unexpected result. Its tiresome design failed even to win an SPF four rating.
CHOICE’s results triggered a larger industry discussion on the safety of sunscreen ingredients and increased consumer confidence. In response, brands such as Ultra Violette, Coles and Invisible Zinc committed to further testing. We have now published these findings on the ACCC’s public register. They’ll determine whether any deceptive statements were made in the first place.
Public Health and Safety Concerns
The implications of these findings are serious, especially in light of Australia’s world-leading skin cancer rates. Dr. Linda Martin emphasized the importance of sunscreen usage, stating, “Skin cancer is the most common, most expensive and most preventable cancer in Australia. It costs our government billions of dollars so every step counts.”
Research indicates that many Australians do not apply enough sunscreen, contributing to the alarming statistic that one in three will be diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime. Though SPF50 products still block an estimated 98% of harmful UV rays, SPF30 products only block 96.7%. The difference might sound minimal, but it can be just enough to make a big difference in skin protection over time.
CHOICE director of testing Matthew Steen said the difference between advertised and tested SPF ratings was “pretty stark.” This difference begs the question of how much consumers can trust product labeling and whether existing product regulation is adequate.
Industry Response and Future Actions
In response to CHOICE’s findings, industry representatives are demanding more accountability. Ashley De Silva noted, “Consumers should be able to feel confident that the protection that’s promised on the bottle that they’re buying is what they’re using.” He noted that lower SPF products still offer a lot of protection. Manufacturers need to be held accountable that their claims align with real-world performance.
John Staton suggested that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) intervene. He implored them to order their own independent laboratory spot testing of sunscreens. “It’s certainly not a panic situation. I think it’s just a matter of making sure corrective action is taken,” he said.
Brands such as Ultra Violette are being called out for misleading SPF claims. In response, they’re engaging in a massive effort to rebuild consumer trust by emphasizing transparency and doing more testing. Easing that urgency without raising consumer alarm Staton called the consumer makeup of the U.S. especially urgent and challenged.
Recommendations for Consumers
Even with these recent changes, experts recommend that consumers do not throw out their sunscreens in light of this new research. Dr. Martin reassured users by stating, “Don’t go and throw your sunscreen out. If anything, use more — that’s the most important take-home message.” This recommendation highlights the importance of proper application techniques to provide appropriate sun protection.
Ashley De Silva echoed this sentiment by stating that it would be a “real shame” if people perceived sunscreen as ineffective due to lower SPF ratings. He continued to underscore that the science is behind the protective benefit of effective sunscreens, regardless of SPF.
