Popular Sunscreen Brand Issues Urgent Recall
The Australian skincare and self-tanning company Bondi Sands has initiated a significant recall of two of its sunscreen products. This action comes following official warnings that these specific items could leave users dangerously under-protected against the sun's harmful rays.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's regulatory authority for therapeutic goods, made the announcement on Friday. The recall affects the company's Zinc Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Protection Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face Lotion (60ml) and its Body Lotion (120ml).
What's Wrong With The Products?
The TGA identified a critical issue with the formulation of these sunscreens. Some bottles from specific batches may display an 'uneven texture' and have 'visible water separating out of the product'.
This separation is a clear sign that the ingredients are no longer properly mixed and stable. This instability directly compromises the product's Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating and its overall performance, the regulator warned. Consequently, relying on these faulty products could result in severe sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Which Batch Numbers Are Affected?
Consumers are urged to immediately check their products. The recall is not for all Bondi Sands sunscreens, but specifically for the following batch numbers:
For the Face Lotion (60ml): Batch numbers GC032084 and 4843.
For the Body Lotion (120ml): Batch numbers GC032114, GC063314, and 4844.
The TGA's advice is unequivocal: 'If you have purchased one of the above batches of Bondi Sands Zinc Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreens, do not use it.'
What Should Customers Do?
A spokesperson for Bondi Sands provided clear guidance for concerned customers. Those who have purchased a sunscreen from an affected batch should return the product to their place of purchase for a replacement or a full refund.
Alternatively, customers can direct any questions to the company via email at info@bondisands.com.au. The company added, 'Bondi Sands regrets any inconvenience to our customers.'
This incident is not isolated in the Australian sunscreen market. It follows another high-profile recall months earlier involving the brand Ultra Violette. In that case, testing by consumer group CHOICE revealed that a product labelled as SPF50+ actually delivered an SPF as low as 4. That recall led the TGA to identify 20 other sunscreens from 16 different brands that used a similar base formula. It is important to note that Bondi Sands was not named in that previous list.
