Australia: Over 12 Sunscreens Withdrawn for Lower SPF Than Claimed

More than 12 sunscreen products have been withdrawn from the Australian market following investigations revealing that many sunscreens do not provide the SPF protection claimed by manufacturers. Australia, known for its outdoor lifestyle, sees around 19,000 melanoma cases diagnosed annually, having the highest skin cancer rate globally. It is estimated that two in three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime. A June investigation by consumer group CHOICE found that only 4 out of 20 tested sunscreens met their labeled SPF claims. A follow-up study by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of Australia’s Department of Health, identified 21 sunscreens potentially failing to meet their stated protection levels. Notably, Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen, advertised as SPF 50+, was found to offer only SPF 4 and was voluntarily withdrawn in August. The TGA warned some products claiming SPF 50+ may not exceed SPF 21. Of these, eight have been recalled, ten suspended, two under review, and one no longer sold nationally. In Australia, sunscreens are classified as therapeutic goods, subject to strict regulations. Misleading labels can lead to serious penalties. “Sunscreen is just one form of protection,” says Ann Kane from the Daffodil Centre, an Australian cancer research institute, emphasizing it should complement shade-seeking, clothing, and hats.