The sunscreen controversy in Australia continues to grow. Regulators have already removed 18 products from shelves over safety concerns.
Well-known products fall short
In June, a consumer advocacy group revealed that several sunscreens offered far less protection than promised. Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen claimed SPF 50+ but delivered only SPF 4 in tests. The company recalled the product voluntarily in August.
The medicines regulator later flagged 20 more sunscreens from various brands. All used the same base formula, which performed poorly in testing.
Tests reveal weak sun protection
Preliminary results showed the formula rarely exceeded SPF 21. Some products offered protection as low as SPF 4. Out of 21 products named, eight have been recalled or halted. Ten others remain suspended, and two are still under review. One product is manufactured in Australia but not sold there.
High cancer risk fuels anger
Australia has the highest skin cancer rate globally. Two in three Australians will require at least one skin cancer removal during their lifetime. These risks explain the country’s strict sunscreen standards. The scandal has provoked public outrage and raised global concerns. Experts warn that both manufacturing and SPF testing practices are under question.
Base formula no longer produced
Wild Child Laboratories Pty Ltd, which made the base formula, has stopped its production. Chief executive Tom Curnow said regulators found no issues at the facility. He claimed the discrepancies reflect a wider industry problem.
Testing laboratory faces scrutiny
For years, regulators have questioned whether SPF testing is too subjective. In their latest update, they expressed strong concerns about Princeton Consumer Research Corp, a US lab. Many sunscreen makers relied on this lab’s results to support their SPF claims.
Mr Curnow confirmed Wild Child ended its ties with the US laboratory. He said the company now works with accredited independent testers. Regulators contacted all companies linked to the disputed formula or the lab. They also wrote to Princeton Consumer Research Corp but received no reply.
