CONSUMER group Choice tested 20 popular SPF 50 or 50 sunscreens and found 16 products did not meet their SPF claims.
Sunscreens were chosen from a range of brands, retailers, and price points, and tested in a specialised, accredited sunscreen lab.
The four that met SPF claims were:
* La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
* Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50
* Cancer Council Kid Sunscreen 50
* Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50 Hydrating Sunscreen
The sunscreen with the lowest tested SPF was Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF 50 Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen, which returned SPF 4.
"We were really shocked to see the results for Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF 50 product, so much so that we actually decided to test a different batch at a completely different lab in Germany to confirm the results," said Choice CEO, Ashley de Silva.
"Those tests found the product had an SPF of 5 - an almost identical result to our initial testing," de Silva said.
Among the other products tested, the following brands sold in pharmacies tested at an SPF of 30-50:
* Nivea Sun Kids Ultra Protect and Play Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
* Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture Lock SPF 50 Sunscreen
* Sun Bum Premium Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion 50
* Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
* Bondi Sands SPF 50 Fragrance Free Sunscreen
* Cancer Council Kids Clear Zinc 50
* Invisible Zinc Face Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.
A further seven products tested at an SPF between 20-30, including these pharmacy-sold products:
* Banana Boat Baby Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
* Bondi Sands SPF 50 Zinc Mineral Body Lotion
* Cancer Council Everyday Value Sunscreen 50
* Cancer Council Ultra Sunscreen 50
* Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Lotion SPF 50.
Choice has called on the TGA to carry out its own sunscreen compliance testing and on the ACCC to investigate if any SPF claims are misleading.
Currently, the TGA relies on reports provided by manufacturers to ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of sunscreen products.
"Unfortunately, these reports may not be providing the accurate information consumers need when choosing sunscreens for themselves and their families," said de Silva.
"However, it's important to highlight that this testing does not mean sunscreen doesn't work - a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or even 20 still offers a significant amount of sunscreen protection, and any sunscreen is better than none at all." KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 12 Jun 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 12 Jun 25
