Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has identified 21 sunscreens that are unlikely to meet their claimed sun protection factor (SPF), with some as low as SPF 4. The products share a common base formulation made by manufacturer Wild Child Laboratories.
Eight sunscreens have been voluntarily recalled, and sales of another ten have been paused pending TGA review. The investigation follows consumer group Choice's testing in June, which found several leading sunscreens fell short of their SPF claims.
The worst performer was Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+, which tested at only SPF 4. Ultra Violette initially disputed the findings but later withdrew the product after its own tests showed inconsistent results. The TGA said preliminary testing indicates similar sunscreens may not exceed SPF 21, and some could be as low as SPF 4.
The TGA has raised concerns about the reliability of SPF testing by UK laboratory Princeton Consumer Research Corp (PCR Corp), which many affected companies relied on. PCR Corp defended its testing, stating it conducts tests in good faith to industry standards. Wild Child Laboratories said no manufacturing issues were found at its facility, attributing discrepancies to a broader industry issue.
Choice CEO Ashley De Silva called for changes to sunscreen regulation and testing in Australia. The TGA is considering regulatory action against the affected products, giving each company an opportunity to respond.
