The sunscreen scandal in Australia is widening. Authorities have already pulled 18 products from shelves over serious safety concerns.
Trusted brands under growing suspicion
A consumer group revealed in June that several leading sunscreens did not deliver the protection promised on their labels. Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen claimed SPF 50+ but tested at just SPF 4. The brand recalled it voluntarily in August.
The medicines regulator has since flagged 20 more sunscreens from different manufacturers. All of them used the same base formula, which performed poorly under testing.
Testing shows dangerously low SPF levels
Preliminary analysis found the formula rarely provided more than SPF 21. Some results dropped as low as SPF 4. Of 21 products named, eight were recalled or had production stopped. Ten remain suspended, while two are still under review. One listed sunscreen is made in Australia but not sold locally.
High skin cancer rates drive public fury
Australia suffers the world’s highest rate of skin cancer. Two in three Australians will require at least one skin cancer removal in their lifetime. This health risk has led to strict sunscreen regulations. The scandal has outraged consumers and drawn global concern. Experts warn of failings in both sunscreen production and SPF verification.
Manufacturer halts disputed formula
Wild Child Laboratories Pty Ltd, producer of the shared base formula, has stopped making it. Chief executive Tom Curnow said regulators found no issues at its facility. He argued the problem reflects a wider industry challenge rather than isolated failures.
US lab linked to controversy
Regulators have long debated the reliability of SPF testing. In their latest update, they raised serious doubts about Princeton Consumer Research Corp, a US-based laboratory. Many sunscreen companies relied on its testing to prove SPF ratings.
Mr Curnow confirmed Wild Child ended its partnership with the US lab. He said the company now works with independent accredited testers. Regulators contacted all companies connected to the formula or the lab. They also wrote to Princeton Consumer Research Corp but have yet to receive a response.
