The typical Australian summer is synonymous with beach trips, barbecues, and of course, slathering on sunscreen to protect our skin from the harsh sun.

However, a recent recall of popular sunscreen products sold in Woolworths and Coles has left many Australians questioning the safety and efficacy of their sun protection.

Bondi Sands, a well-known Australian brand, has urgently recalled two of its sunscreen products due to a manufacturing error that may render them ineffective against sun protection.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued the recall on Wednesday, warning customers that the affected products may be unusable.

Some Bondi Sands sunscreen products, such as the face and body lotions, were recalled from the market by the TGA. Image: Bondi Sands

The products in question are the 60ml Mineral Zinc Sunscreen SPF50+ Face Lotion and the 120ml Mineral Zinc Sunscreen SPF50+ Body Lotion, specifically batches expiring in November 2025.

Customers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase immediately.

'When you apply sunscreen, the ingredients inside the medicine help to protect your skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun,' the TGA explained.

'Sun Protection Factor (SPF) lets you know how well the sunscreen will protect you from the sun. Since UV rays can cause skin cancer, the protection offered by sunscreen is very important.’

'The affected batches of Bondi Sands Mineral Zinc Sunscreen SPF50+ is splitting into layers, meaning the ingredients are no longer properly mixed.‘

'When this happens, the SPF of the medicine changes and may not offer any protection at all.’

For further information, you may check the TGA’s recall notice here.

If you purchased these Bondi Sands products from the above batches, do not use them. Instead, return the product/s to the place of purchase or contact [email protected] to arrange the return or with any further questions.

Understanding Sunscreen and SPF

Sunscreen is a crucial part of our skincare routine, especially in Australia, where the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are particularly strong.

The active ingredients in sunscreen work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays, protecting our skin from damage.

The SPF of a sunscreen is a measure of how well it protects your skin from UVB rays, the type of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. SPF50+ sunscreen, for instance, is designed to filter out 98 per cent of UVB radiation.

In the meantime, Australians are urged to continue protecting their skin from the sun. If you're in the market for a new sunscreen, look for one that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and has an SPF of at least 30.

Key Takeaways

• Bondi Sands has urgently recalled two sunscreen products due to a lack of sun protection.
• The recall applies to certain batches of the Mineral Zinc Sunscreen SPF50+ range, expiring in November 2025.
• The recalled sunscreen may be splitting into layers, which could affect the SPF and render the sunscreen ineffective.
• Customers are urged to return the affected products to the place of purchase, and more information can be obtained from the TGA website or by contacting Bondi Sands.

What do you think of this story? Have you tried the recalled products from Bondi Sands? Share with us your experiences in the comments below!

 

[MariaG]

I don't use sunscreen because of the stuff it contains. Have you ever looked at the ingredients.
Instead, I choose not to venture out into the sun without adequate clothing protection, or an umbrella.
I have never been a swimmer, beach, pool, sunbaking, summer, person. I am a winter lover.
Instead of sunbaking, one should look at sunBATHING to achieve the absorption the body needs.
Too much emphasis on outdoor frolicking and not enough on being sensible.
It all came home to hubby when he was diagnosed with melanoma. Now, he is paying a huge price for the outdoor fun and games he got up to when younger.
By all means, if you want to use sunscreen it is your choice.
Rather a concern when you think you are doing the right thing only to find out the product you have purchased for the purpose of protection splits and becomes ineffective. You cannot tell this is happening, so, will go happily on your way ignorant of possible harm. I think good old fashioned Zinc Cream would be as good as anything else.

 

[Littleboy8]

I don't use sunscreen because of the stuff it contains. Have you ever looked at the ingredients.
Instead, I choose not to venture out into the sun without adequate clothing protection, or an umbrella.
I have never been a swimmer, beach, pool, sunbaking, summer, person. I am a winter lover.
Instead of sunbaking, one should look at sunBATHING to achieve the absorption the body needs.
Too much emphasis on outdoor frolicking and not enough on being sensible.
It all came home to hubby when he was diagnosed with melanoma. Now, he is paying a huge price for the outdoor fun and games he got up to when younger.
By all means, if you want to use sunscreen it is your choice.
Rather a concern when you think you are doing the right thing only to find out the product you have purchased for the purpose of protection splits and becomes ineffective. You cannot tell this is happening, so, will go happily on your way ignorant of possible harm. I think good old fashioned Zinc Cream would be as good as anything else.

Zinc creams good but you can’t lavish it all over your body unless you want to look like a snowman or lady.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I always thought the most effective sunscreens contained titanium dioxide. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The composition of sunscreens isn't a strong point.

Wow! As I'm typing, a segment on this exact subject is coming up on Channel 9's afternoon news!

 

[Knell]

Never wear it! Been that generation that sunbaked on the beach - skin check recently and no problems. Must depend on skin type.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Never wear it! Been that generation that sunbaked on the beach - skin check recently and no problems. Must depend on skin type.

Same here....never wore it in my life. In my younger surfing days, I was asked on numerous occasions "Are you a black fella or what?" Also happened in Indonesia.

 

[DLHM]

I used to bake in the sun with baby oil to tan as dark as I could in my teens and 20’s. Just had a melanoma cut out last week. Have to go back next month.

 

[Littleboy8]

I used to bake in the sun with baby oil to tan as dark as I could in my teens and 20’s. Just had a melanoma cut out last week. Have to go back next month.

So did I but we never knew any different in those days many moons ago,that’s awful hope everything goes well for you. My sis had one cut off her shoulder last year now has to go back every couple of months for checkups.

 

[DLHM]

So did I but we never knew any different in those days many moons ago,that’s awful hope everything goes well for you. My sis had one cut off her shoulder last year now has to go back every couple of months for checkups.

Thank you and you’re right, we didn’t know any different then. But I’m amazed at the people (not always just the young ones), who are still sun worshippers! The damage of too much sun has been drummed into us since the “slip, slop, slap” days.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Thank you and you’re right, we didn’t know any different then. But I’m amazed at the people (not always just the young ones), who are still sun worshippers! The damage of too much sun has been drummed into us since the “slip, slop, slap” days.

There is conflicting messages given to the general public. So do you be active outdoors and risk skin cancer or be a obese couch potato and play slave to the Playstation Priest.

 

[DLHM]

There is conflicting messages given to the general public. So do you be active outdoors and risk skin cancer or be an obese couch potato and play slave to the Playstation Priest.

Moderation is key for sun exposure and preferably not during the midday sun. I’m not a mad dog nor am I an Englishman. It’s little wonder why so many people are deficient in vitamin D. Many people are now made to feel like the sun is our enemy.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Spot on! To quote a worn out saying "Damned if you do....damned if you don't".