The sunscreen scandal in Australia is intensifying. Regulators have already removed 18 products from shelves over safety concerns.
Popular sunscreens fail protection tests
In June, a consumer advocacy group revealed that several leading sunscreens did not provide the advertised protection. Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen claimed SPF 50+ but tested at just SPF 4. The company recalled it voluntarily in August.
The medicines regulator has since identified 20 more sunscreens from different brands. All used the same base formula, which performed poorly in testing.
SPF levels far below claims
Preliminary tests showed the formula rarely delivered more than SPF 21. Some products offered as little as SPF 4. Of the 21 products named, eight were recalled or halted. Ten remain suspended, while two are under review. One product is made in Australia but not sold locally.
Rising skin cancer rates heighten public concern
Australia has the world’s highest rate of skin cancer. Two in three Australians will need at least one cancerous skin removal during their lifetime. Strict sunscreen regulations reflect these risks. The scandal has sparked public outrage and drawn international attention. Experts now question both sunscreen production and SPF testing accuracy.
Manufacturer halts disputed formula
Wild Child Laboratories Pty Ltd, the maker of the base formula, has stopped producing it. Chief executive Tom Curnow said regulators found no faults at its facility. He said the discrepancies point to a broader issue across the sunscreen industry.
US testing lab faces scrutiny
Regulators have long questioned the reliability of SPF testing. In their latest update, they raised serious concerns about Princeton Consumer Research Corp, a US-based laboratory. Many sunscreen brands relied on this lab to support SPF claims.
Mr Curnow confirmed Wild Child has ended ties with the US laboratory. He said the company now works with accredited independent testers. Regulators contacted all firms linked to the disputed formula or the lab. They also wrote to Princeton Consumer Research Corp but have not received a response.
