Australia Sunscreen Scandal Expands Amid SPF Safety Concerns

Australia’s sunscreen controversy continues to grow, with 18 products removed from shelves over doubts about their sun protection claims. Consumer group testing earlier this year revealed that several high-priced sunscreens failed to meet their SPF ratings. Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen, marketed as SPF 50+, returned a reading of SPF 4 and was voluntarily recalled.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has flagged 20 additional sunscreens sharing the same base formula, warning that SPF levels may be as low as four and raising concerns about testing at Princeton Consumer Research Corp (PCR Corp). Eight products have been recalled, 10 paused, and two are under review. The formula manufacturer, Wild Child Laboratories, halted production but reported no facility issues.

The scandal highlights broader industry and regulatory challenges, including lab testing inconsistencies, manufacturing variability, and post-market surveillance gaps. Experts warn the issue may have global ramifications, especially given Australia’s status as a skin cancer hotspot.

02-10-2025