Sunscreen labels under fire after SPF testing
Tests show sunscreens failing SPF claims, sparking trust concerns as experts urge Aussies to keep using sun protection properly.
What’s happening?
Recent SPF testing by consumer group CHOICE found that 16 popular sunscreens sold in Australia failed to meet the SPF claims on their labels, raising concerns about labelling accuracy and consumer trust. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is investigating the findings and said it “will take regulatory action as required.”
Professor Nitika Garg from UNSW Business School explained, “Most of us are told to apply sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 or above. So the SPF 50+ label gives consumers comfort. It’s a quick, accessible signal that they’re doing the right thing and they rightly trust that if a brand is saying it’s SPF 50+, somebody has taken a look at it and approved it.”
Why it matters?
Trust in sunscreen labels is vital in Australia, where UV levels are among the highest in the world. Conjoint Associate Professor Deshan Sebaratnam from UNSW’s School of Clinical Medicine said, “Skin cancer is our most common cancer, the most expensive to the healthcare system but also the most preventable.”
Discrepancies between labelled and actual SPF performance could undermine confidence in sunscreen use. Prof. Garg warned, “Misleading headlines risk losing consumer trust, and when it comes to a product as important as sunscreen, even one person lost is one too many.”
Local Impact
Australians rely on sunscreen to prevent sunburn and reduce skin cancer risk. The CHOICE findings have left many questioning which products to trust. Prof. Garg stressed the importance of reassurance: “It’s taken years to build sunscreen use into a daily habit. We don’t want to see that reversed overnight. Government agencies should reinforce that sunscreen is still essential, and help consumers understand which products are reliable.”
A/Prof. Sebaratnam highlighted the need for proper application: “Apply it 20 minutes before you head out, and make sure you use the right amount, about a teaspoon for your face and about a shot glass for your entire body. Reapply every four hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.”
By the numbers:
Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer by retirement age.
One person dies of melanoma every six hours in Australia.
16 popular sunscreens failed to meet advertised SPF claims in CHOICE testing.
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Prof. Garg said Australians rely on SPF numbers as a quick way to choose sunscreen: “People are time-poor. They don’t want to spend time researching every product, especially for something like sunscreen that’s used regularly. They rely on the brand and the label to give them the information they need so they don’t have to do it themselves.”
CHOICE’s independent reputation makes their findings impactful. Prof. Garg explained, “Consumers are especially likely to trust independent third parties like CHOICE because they are seen to have ‘no skin in the game.’ Unlike companies with something to sell, independent testers appear unbiased.”
However, Prof. Garg warned about the way the findings were presented: “There is no sunscreen they tested that didn’t provide protection at all. But some consumers may only read the headline and walk away thinking none of them work, which is extremely harmful. Not using anything is not an option.”
Zoom Out
Most sunscreens in Australia are regulated by the TGA, which requires products to meet strict labelling and testing standards. The TGA states it is a requirement under therapeutic legislation that “statements on sunscreen labels are truthful and not misleading.” Prof. Garg added, “Consumers may not always know the name of the agency involved, but they trust that in a country like Australia, products like sunscreen go through regulatory checks. And in this case, that trust is backed by TGA; there are processes in place to catch issues and ensure products meet safety standards.”
What to look for next?
The TGA’s investigation into the CHOICE findings is ongoing, with potential regulatory action ahead. Prof. Garg said brands should respond transparently: “If a brand has contradictory evidence, they need to share it, and they need to back up their claims with science. Simply saying ‘we stand behind our product’ isn’t going to help. Brands must give people clear, scientific evidence to earn back trust.”
Prof. Garg recommended sticking with sunscreens that performed well in CHOICE testing: “If you have a product that tested in the 40s or higher, like Cancer Council or Nivea, keep using it. It’s better to choose something that’s been shown to work than to throw your hands up and stop using sunscreen altogether.”
A/Prof. Sebaratnam urged Australians to keep sun safety a priority and seek medical advice if concerned: “If Aussies have any concerns about their skin, they should see a doctor, either their GP or a specialist dermatologist.”