New research exposes Aussie sun care brands failing to deliver protection
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Whether you’re enjoying a cuppa on the veranda, pottering in the garden, or heading down to the beach for a swim, we all know that sunscreen is a must-have in our daily routine—especially for those of us with a few more years (and freckles) under our belts.
But what if the sunscreen you trust isn’t actually doing the job it promises?
A recent investigation by a consumer advocacy group has sent shockwaves through the country, revealing that some of Australia’s most popular sunscreens—including big names aren’t living up to the sun protection claims on their bottles.
CHOICE put 20 of the most popular SPF 50 and 50+ sunscreens to the test in a specialised, accredited laboratory.
The result is a whopping 16 out of 20 didn’t meet their advertised SPF claims. That’s right—only four products actually delivered the level of protection they promised.
The worst offender was Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+, which, according to CHOICE’s testing, offered a measly SPF of just four.
To double-check, they sent a second batch to a German lab, which found the SPF was only five.
Ultra Violette, for their part, strongly disputed these findings, claiming their own tests (with a larger sample size) showed an SPF of 61.7—well above the threshold for a 50+ rating.
The debate over testing methods continues, but the discrepancy is enough to make anyone pause before slathering it on.
Other well-known brands didn’t fare much better. Several products from Coles, Nivea, Sun Bum, Banana Boat, Bondi Sands, Cancer Council, Invisible Zinc, ALDI, and Woolworths all tested below their stated SPF.
Some, like Banana Boat SPF50+ Sunscreen Lotion and Bondi Sands SPF50+ Fragrance-Free, only managed SPFs in the low 30s.
Others, including Aldi’s Ombra Everyday Sunscreen Lotion 50+ and Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Zinc Mineral Body Lotion, were down in the 20s.
If you’re wondering which products you can trust, CHOICE found that only four sunscreens met or exceeded their SPF claims:
For many of us, sunscreen is our first line of defence against sunburn, premature ageing, and, most importantly, skin cancer.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and we rely on these products to keep us safe.
When sunscreen doesn’t deliver the protection it promises, it puts our health at risk—especially for older Australians, who may already have sun-damaged skin or be more vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation.
Ashley de Silva, CHOICE’s chief executive, summed it up: ‘Consumers are expecting their sunscreen to protect them in line with the SPF rating.’
Even though the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 isn’t huge (SPF 30 filters about 96.7 per cent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 filters about 98 per cent), it’s the principle that counts. If a product claims to be SPF 50+, it should deliver.
Unsurprisingly, the brands named in the report have pushed back. Ultra Violette, Bondi Sands, ALDI, Woolworths, and others all insist their products are independently tested and meet the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) strict standards.
Some, like Invisible Zinc, pointed out that human skin can vary, which can lead to different results in different tests.
The Cancer Council, whose products are a staple in many Aussie households, said they were ‘very concerned’ by the findings and have sent their products for further independent testing.
The TGA is now investigating CHOICE’s findings and has promised to take regulatory action if needed.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is also looking into the matter, reminding businesses that they must not make false or misleading claims.
In the meantime, CHOICE has shared its results with the manufacturers, and many brands are conducting their own reviews.
It’s a timely reminder that, as consumers, we should always be vigilant and not take product claims at face value.
Have you ever been sunburnt despite using sunscreen? Do you have a favourite brand you trust, or have you switched after reading reports like this? Share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments below.
Read more: This Nurse Reveals the Startling Truth About Your Sunscreen—What You Don't Know Could Harm You!
But what if the sunscreen you trust isn’t actually doing the job it promises?
A recent investigation by a consumer advocacy group has sent shockwaves through the country, revealing that some of Australia’s most popular sunscreens—including big names aren’t living up to the sun protection claims on their bottles.
CHOICE put 20 of the most popular SPF 50 and 50+ sunscreens to the test in a specialised, accredited laboratory.
The result is a whopping 16 out of 20 didn’t meet their advertised SPF claims. That’s right—only four products actually delivered the level of protection they promised.
The worst offender was Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+, which, according to CHOICE’s testing, offered a measly SPF of just four.
16 out of 20 Australian sunscreens were found to fall short of advertised SPF50 claims. Credit: bymuratdeniz / iStock
To double-check, they sent a second batch to a German lab, which found the SPF was only five.
Ultra Violette, for their part, strongly disputed these findings, claiming their own tests (with a larger sample size) showed an SPF of 61.7—well above the threshold for a 50+ rating.
The debate over testing methods continues, but the discrepancy is enough to make anyone pause before slathering it on.
Other well-known brands didn’t fare much better. Several products from Coles, Nivea, Sun Bum, Banana Boat, Bondi Sands, Cancer Council, Invisible Zinc, ALDI, and Woolworths all tested below their stated SPF.
Some, like Banana Boat SPF50+ Sunscreen Lotion and Bondi Sands SPF50+ Fragrance-Free, only managed SPFs in the low 30s.
Others, including Aldi’s Ombra Everyday Sunscreen Lotion 50+ and Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Zinc Mineral Body Lotion, were down in the 20s.
If you’re wondering which products you can trust, CHOICE found that only four sunscreens met or exceeded their SPF claims:
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+ (tested at 72)
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50 (tested at 56)
- Cancer Council Kid Sunscreen 50+ (tested at 52)
- Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50+ Hydrating Sunscreen (tested at 51)
For many of us, sunscreen is our first line of defence against sunburn, premature ageing, and, most importantly, skin cancer.
When sunscreen doesn’t deliver the protection it promises, it puts our health at risk—especially for older Australians, who may already have sun-damaged skin or be more vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation.
Ashley de Silva, CHOICE’s chief executive, summed it up: ‘Consumers are expecting their sunscreen to protect them in line with the SPF rating.’
Even though the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 isn’t huge (SPF 30 filters about 96.7 per cent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 filters about 98 per cent), it’s the principle that counts. If a product claims to be SPF 50+, it should deliver.
Unsurprisingly, the brands named in the report have pushed back. Ultra Violette, Bondi Sands, ALDI, Woolworths, and others all insist their products are independently tested and meet the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) strict standards.
Some, like Invisible Zinc, pointed out that human skin can vary, which can lead to different results in different tests.
The TGA is now investigating CHOICE’s findings and has promised to take regulatory action if needed.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is also looking into the matter, reminding businesses that they must not make false or misleading claims.
In the meantime, CHOICE has shared its results with the manufacturers, and many brands are conducting their own reviews.
It’s a timely reminder that, as consumers, we should always be vigilant and not take product claims at face value.
Read more: This Nurse Reveals the Startling Truth About Your Sunscreen—What You Don't Know Could Harm You!
