Australian consumers are being urged to check their sunscreen cabinets after independent testing revealed multiple popular zinc-based products provide significantly lower sun protection than their labels claim, prompting widespread recalls and an ongoing investigation by health regulators.
The controversy began when consumer group CHOICE tested 20 popular sunscreens and found that 16 failed to meet their SPF claims, with results ranging from a shocking SPF of just 4 for a product labeled SPF 50+, to protection levels in the 20s, 30s and 40s.
The Scale of the Problem
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has now identified at least 21 sunscreen products sharing the same problematic base formulation manufactured by Wild Child Laboratories. Preliminary testing indicates this base formula is unlikely to provide protection beyond SPF 21, despite products using it claiming SPF 50 or higher.
The most dramatic failure involved Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+ product, which tested at just SPF 4. The Cancer Council’s Clear Zinc Kids SPF 50+ returned an SPF of 33 rather than the claimed 50+.
Recent ABC investigations revealed that as many as 31 different brands may be using zinc sunscreen base formulas that have failed multiple preliminary tests, showing protection in the low to mid-20s rather than the advertised 50+.
Products Affected
Among the recalled or paused products are:
- Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ (recalled)
- Cancer Council Clear Zinc Kids SPF50+ (recalled – three batches)
- Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Light Sunscreen (supply paused)
- Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Tinted Facial Sunscreen (supply paused)
- Endota Mineral Protect SPF50 Sunscreen (supply paused)
- The Fountain of Youth Environmental Defence Cream SPF50+ (under review)
- Allganic Light Sunscreen SPF50+ (under review)
The TGA maintains a regularly updated list of affected products on its website, with some voluntarily recalled, others paused from supply, and additional products under investigation.
Products That Passed Testing
Only four of the 20 sunscreens tested by CHOICE met or exceeded their SPF claims:
- Cancer Council Kids Sunscreen SPF 50+ (tested at SPF 52)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen 50+ (tested at SPF 72)
- Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50+ Hydrating Sunscreen (tested at SPF 51)
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50 (tested at SPF 56)
The Testing Controversy
The scandal has exposed serious questions about sunscreen testing reliability in Australia. The TGA has expressed significant concerns about Princeton Consumer Research Corporation, a UK-based testing laboratory that many affected brands used to verify their SPF claims.
Some manufacturers initially disputed CHOICE’s findings, providing their own test certificates showing products met claimed SPF levels. However, the TGA’s investigation revealed potential issues with some testing laboratories, raising questions about the reliability of industry self-regulation.
MooGoo founder Craig Jones acted as a whistle blower after discovering issues with a zinc oxide shipment to his company. His product was testing at SPF 27 rather than the expected SPF 40, leading him to discard over $400,000 in stock. This prompted him to test other products using similar base formulations, finding comparable failures.
Health Implications
The reduced SPF levels present genuine health risks. Sunscreen provides the last line of defense against harmful UV radiation that causes skin cancer, Australia’s most common cancer type.
With two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, proper sun protection is critical. Using a sunscreen with significantly lower SPF than claimed increases sunburn risk and reduces long-term skin cancer prevention effectiveness.
The Australian summer sun is particularly harsh, with UV index levels regularly reaching Extreme (11+) across most of the country. At these levels, unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10-15 minutes.
UV Conditions Right Now
MyWeather’s real-time UV monitoring shows current conditions requiring maximum sun protection:
Adelaide: UV Index 11 (Extreme) – Peak hours 11 AM – 3 PM Sydney: UV Index 12 (Extreme) – Burn time under 15 minutes Melbourne: UV Index 10 (Very High) – Protection essential Brisbane: UV Index 13 (Extreme) – Highest risk period ongoing Perth: UV Index 12 (Extreme) – Seek shade during midday
These extreme levels make effective sunscreen absolutely critical for outdoor activities, making the testing failures particularly concerning.
How SPF Works
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures protection against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn and a major contributor to skin cancer. An SPF 50 sunscreen should theoretically allow you to stay in the sun 50 times longer than without protection before burning.
However, real-world effectiveness depends on proper application. Most people apply only 25-50% of the recommended amount, significantly reducing actual protection. The recommended amount is approximately one teaspoon for the face and neck, and seven teaspoons for the entire body.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVB rays (which cause burning) and UVA rays (which cause aging and also contribute to cancer risk). Australia requires all SPF 30 and higher sunscreens to meet broad-spectrum criteria.
Regulatory Response
The TGA has initiated a comprehensive investigation into SPF testing practices. A Good Manufacturing Practice inspection of Wild Child Laboratories was conducted in September 2025 as part of this investigation.
The regulator is working with affected companies to facilitate voluntary recalls and supply pauses while the investigation continues. Companies are being advised to verify which testing laboratory was used for their SPF certification and to consider retesting with more reliable facilities.
CHOICE has called for fundamental changes to how sunscreens are regulated and tested in Australia, arguing that the current self-regulatory approach has failed consumers.
What Consumers Should Do
Check Your Sunscreen: Visit the TGA website to see if your products are on the recalled or affected list. The list is regularly updated as the investigation continues.
Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen: Despite these issues, sunscreen remains a vital part of sun protection. Using an affected sunscreen is likely still better than using none at all, though you should seek alternatives.
Look for Products That Passed Testing: CHOICE maintains a list of products that met their SPF claims. Consider switching to verified effective options.
Apply Properly: Even with effective sunscreen, proper application is essential:
- Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure
- Use 7 teaspoons for full body coverage (1 for face and neck)
- Reapply every 2 hours
- Reapply immediately after swimming or heavy sweating
Use Multiple Protection Strategies: Sunscreen should never be your only defense. Also:
- Seek shade, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM
- Wear protective clothing including long sleeves and pants
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat
- Use UV-protective sunglasses
- Check daily UV levels on MyWeather before outdoor activities
Weather’s Role in Sun Protection
UV radiation intensity varies with several weather-related factors:
Cloud Cover: Clouds reduce but don’t eliminate UV exposure. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so protection is needed even on overcast days.
Altitude: UV intensity increases approximately 10% for every 1,000 meters of elevation gain. Mountain activities require extra protection.
Reflection: Sand, water, snow, and concrete reflect UV rays, increasing exposure. Beach-goers and snow sports enthusiasts face enhanced UV from both direct and reflected radiation.
Time of Year: UV levels peak during summer months but remain high enough to cause damage year-round in most Australian locations.
Time of Day: UV intensity peaks between 11 AM and 3 PM when the sun is highest in the sky.
MyWeather provides hourly UV forecasts to help you plan outdoor activities and sun protection strategies.
Choosing Safe Sunscreen
Until the investigation concludes, consider these strategies:
Check Testing Laboratory: If brands disclose their testing lab, research its reputation and accreditation.
Look for Multiple Certifications: Products tested by multiple independent laboratories may be more reliable.
Consider Non-Zinc Alternatives: Chemical sunscreens using different formulations haven’t been implicated in this scandal, though zinc oxide itself isn’t the problem—it’s specific formulations that have failed.
International Brands: Some international brands use different base formulations and testing protocols, though verify Australian registration.
Stay Updated: The TGA website provides the most current information on affected products and investigation progress.
Industry Response
Many brands have responded proactively, voluntarily recalling or pausing products pending verification testing. Some have published their SPF test results to reassure consumers, though questions remain about which laboratories conducted the tests.
The sunscreen industry has argued that isolated batch failures don’t represent systemic problems, pointing to years of testing showing compliance. However, the breadth of affected products sharing the same base formulation suggests more significant manufacturing or formulation issues.
The Path Forward
This scandal has exposed weaknesses in Australia’s sunscreen regulation system. While the TGA regulates sunscreens as therapeutic goods, the current framework relies heavily on manufacturer self-testing and certification.
Calls for reform include:
- Mandatory independent testing by accredited laboratories
- Regular random testing of products on shelves
- Stricter oversight of testing laboratory quality
- Greater transparency in test results and methodologies
- Clearer penalties for non-compliance
The investigation continues, with more products potentially being identified as problematic. Consumers should remain vigilant and check the TGA website regularly for updates.
Summer Sun Safety
As Australian summer intensifies, proper sun protection becomes increasingly critical. With extreme UV levels forecast throughout December and January, everyone spending time outdoors needs multiple layers of protection.
This Week’s UV Forecast: Most capital cities will experience UV Index levels of 11-13 (Extreme) during midday hours throughout the week. Weekend beach-goers and outdoor enthusiasts should plan activities for early morning or late afternoon when possible.
Check MyWeather’s UV index forecasts before outdoor activities and set reminders to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Return affected sunscreen products to the place of purchase for refund or replacement. For questions about specific products, contact the manufacturer directly or visit the TGA website.
Download MyWeather for real-time UV index alerts and hourly sun safety forecasts.
Related Articles:
- UV Index Explained: Understanding Sun Safety Ratings
- Skin Cancer Prevention: Beyond Sunscreen
- Summer Safety: Protecting Your Family from Heat and UV
- Climate Change and Increasing UV Exposure Risks
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