POPULAR cosmetic products that appear to offer sun protection may be misleading consumers, experts have warned.
Product such as "sun drops", "sun wax", "sun sticks" and "sun balms" are not regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) but rather as cosmetic and consumer goods.
As such, they are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as regular sunscreen, and may or may not provide UV protection.
Some cosmetic products such as foundation and BB creams do provide UV protection, and may have an SPF of 30 or more, but other products with little or no UV protection may be causing harm by creating false reassurance.
Speaking to the ABC, registered nurse and Bond University researcher Dr Jessica Stokes-Parish said it is a problem that had become more prevalent in summer.
"What I've been seeing is companies that are marketing their product as a sunscreen but they've not gone through the TGA testing processes to have their product listed as a sunscreen," she said.
Dr Stokes-Parish said social media marketing has fuelled consumer confusion, particularly among young women.
"They may be applying a product that has no sun protection whatsoever, increasing their risk of ageing and skin cancer from UV rays," she said.
If a product makes an SPF claim, whether it is cosmetic or therapeutic, it must comply with Australian sunscreen standards.
Any product making such a claim that does not comply can be subject to TGA action.
The ABC approached the TGA for comment, and a spokesperson confirmed it had received reports related to "alleged non-compliance of sun protection products" but could not comment on whether any were under investigation or subject to compliance and enforcement action.
Sunscreen products regulated through the TGA include those intended primarily as a sunscreen with SPF 4 or higher, and some secondary sunscreens, such as moisturisers with an SPF greater than 15.
For customers seeking sunscreen products, the easiest way to determine whether it is TGA-regulated is to check the packaging for an AUST L or AUST R number. KB
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