The sunscreen scandal in Australia is intensifying. Authorities have already pulled 18 products from store shelves over safety concerns.
Popular sunscreen brands questioned
In June, a consumer advocacy group revealed that several well-known sunscreens failed to meet their advertised protection levels. Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen claimed SPF 50+ but tested at only SPF 4. The company recalled the product voluntarily in August.
Since then, the medicines regulator has identified 20 more sunscreens from different brands. All of them used the same base formula, which testing showed to be unreliable.
SPF results much lower than advertised
Preliminary tests showed the formula rarely exceeded SPF 21. Some products may have provided as little as SPF 4. Out of 21 products named, eight have been recalled or had production stopped. Ten more remain suspended, while two are under review. One listed product is made locally but not sold in Australia.
Nation’s high cancer risk raises alarm
Australia records the world’s highest rate of skin cancer. Two in three Australians will face at least one skin cancer removal in their lifetime. This reality explains the nation’s strict sunscreen regulations. The scandal has triggered strong public backlash and raised international concerns. Experts warn that both sunscreen manufacturing and SPF testing practices are now under scrutiny.
Manufacturer halts disputed formula
Wild Child Laboratories Pty Ltd, which produced the shared base formula, has suspended its manufacture. Chief executive Tom Curnow said regulators found no production faults at the company’s facility. He argued that the discrepancies reveal wider industry problems.
US laboratory under investigation
Regulators have long debated the reliability of SPF testing. In their latest update, they raised serious concerns about Princeton Consumer Research Corp, a US laboratory. Many sunscreen brands used this lab to confirm their SPF claims.
Mr Curnow confirmed Wild Child has ended its partnership with the US lab. He said the company now uses accredited independent testers. Regulators said they contacted all companies linked to the formula or the laboratory. They also wrote to Princeton Consumer Research Corp but have received no reply.
