The sunscreen scandal in Australia keeps expanding. Regulators have already taken 18 products off the shelves over safety risks.
Popular products fail safety tests
In June, a consumer advocacy group revealed that several well-known sunscreens did not provide their promised protection. Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen claimed SPF 50+ but delivered only SPF 4 in testing. The company recalled the product voluntarily in August.
Soon after, the medicines regulator identified 20 more sunscreens from other brands. All shared the same base formula, which testing showed to be unreliable.
Investigations expose weak SPF levels
Preliminary results showed the formula rarely exceeded SPF 21. Some products offered protection as low as SPF 4. Of the 21 products named, eight were recalled or halted. Ten remain suspended, and two are still under review. One listed product is manufactured in Australia but not sold locally.
Rising cancer risks spark outrage
Australia records the highest skin cancer rate worldwide. Two in three Australians will undergo at least one cancer removal during their lifetime. These figures explain the country’s strict sunscreen standards. The scandal has provoked national outrage and raised global concerns. Experts warn of flaws in both sunscreen production and SPF testing systems.
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 issues at its facility. He argued that the problems reflect a broader issue within the sunscreen industry.
US testing lab under fire
Regulators have long questioned the subjectivity of SPF testing. In their latest update, they raised serious doubts about Princeton Consumer Research Corp, a US-based laboratory. Many sunscreen makers relied on its results to support SPF claims.
Mr Curnow confirmed Wild Child has cut ties with the US lab. He said the company now uses 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 received no reply.
