Six sunscreens sold in Australia fail independent SPF tests
Consumer NZ tested ten sunscreens and found six sold in Australia did not meet their advertised SPF protection levels.
Six sunscreens widely available in Australia have fallen short of their advertised SPF ratings. Consumer NZ tested ten products.
Seven of the ten did not meet their ultraviolet protection claims. Products that failed include Natio, Invisible Zinc, Beauty of Joseon, Le Tan, Marine Blue and Sun Bum.
Cetaphil Sun Ultra Light Lotion SPF50+ met its claim. Choice, an Australian consumer group, previously found some sunscreens delivered SPF as low as four.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration said it is watching the market closely. It is considering whether further investigation or action is needed.
The TGA plans to tighten testing requirements. Brands will need to provide testing data.
Labs will need to meet stronger accreditation standards.
- 10
- Products tested
- 7 of 10
- Failed to meet claims
- 6
- Failed products in Australia
- 4
- Lowest SPF found previously
Why it mattersAustralians need sunscreen to protect against skin cancer risk, so mislabelled products mean people may not get the protection they think they are buying.
AustraliaAustralians should not assume their sunscreen delivers the SPF rating on the bottle; the TGA is now reviewing whether stronger rules are needed to protect consumers from misleading claims.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
