More than a dozen Aussie sunscreens fail to meet SPF claims on their labels, consumer group Choice finds in shock new report
More than a dozen favourite Australian sunscreens have failed to meet their SPF claims, according to a shock report by consumer group Choice.
Twenty SPF 50 or 50+ products from different brands and retailers were subject to the test, which Choice said was conducted by experts in an accredited sunscreen lab.
Sixteen of the 20 sunscreens under the microscope did not meet the SPF ratings stated on their labels, with only four living up to their claims, the analysis found.
The worst performer, according to the report, was Ultra Violette's Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen which returned an SPF rating of four despite being labelled as 50+.
Some Cancer Council products, including its SPF 50+ Ultra Sunscreen and Everyday Value Sunscreen SPF 50, tested at almost half their advertised ratings at 24 and 27, respectively.
Woolworths' Sunscreen Everyday Tube SPF 50+ returned a rating of 27.
Choice CEO Ashley de Silva said a follow up analysis was conducted for Ultra Violette's Lean Screen given the astonishing test result.
"We were really shocked to see the results for Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF 50+ product, so much so that we actually decided to test a different batch at a completely different lab in Germany to confirm the results," he said in a statement.
"Those tests found the product had an SPF of five - an almost identical result to our initial testing."
A spokesperson for Ultra Violette said the company does not accept the results "as even remotely accurate".
"Lean Screen contains 22.75 per cent zinc oxide, a level at which, when applied sufficiently, would render a testing result of SPF 4 scientifically impossible," a spokesperson said.
Among the top performers included La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+ which tested as providing a higher protection rating of 72.
Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Body Lotion returned a slightly higher SPF of 56, over its printed label of 50, while the Cancer Council's Kid Sunscreen SPF 50+ tested at 52.
Popular makeup brand Mecca Cosmetica's To Save Body Hydrating Sunscreen had an SPF of 51, according to the report.
Choice has called on the Therapeutic Goods Administration to conduct its own compliance testing in the wake of the analysis, as it urges the ACCC to investigate any misleading SPF claims.
"Currently, the TGA relies on reports provided by manufacturers to ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of sunscreen products," Mr de Silva said.
"Unfortunately, these reports may not be providing the accurate information consumers need when choosing sunscreens for themselves and their families."
However, Mr de Silva noted the consumer group's testing does not mean sunscreen is not effective.
"While some specific sunscreens did not meet their claimed SPF, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or even 20 still offers a significant amount of sunscreen protection, and any sunscreen is better than none at all," he said.
A TGA spokesperson confirmed to SkyNews.com.au it is investigating the findings and will "take regularly action as required".
The authority said it cannot comment on whether individual products may be subject to investigation, or compliance and enforcement activity due to privacy and legal restrictions.
"The TGA acknowledges that there is variability in SPF testing results across laboratories, which is largely due to current reliance on human subject testing," a spokesperson said.
"Limited inter-laboratory calibration may also lead to inconsistencies in methodologies and results.
"While encouraging progress is being made internationally toward in-vitro sunscreen testing which would improve consistency of results, this will not eliminate the need for human subject testing, particularly for verifying water resistance claims."
The TGA reiterated the importance of using sunscreen in addition to other sun safety measures such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing and sunglasses.
"We note that a number of the products Choice tested provided results in the range of SPF 30," the regulator said.
"It is important to note that SPFs in the range of 30 to 59 provide 'High protection', while a SPF of 60 or higher (SPF 50+) provides 'Very high' protection.
"Therefore, products with an SPF of 30 are effective to use.
"Consumers are also advised that, irrespective of the SPF rating, sunscreens should be applied liberally and reapplied frequently."
A spokesperson for the ACCC said it is considering the issues raised in Choice's report in accordance with its Compliance and Enforcement Policy.
"The ACCC will engage closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration in considering the allegations," a spokesperson said in a statement to SkyNews.com.au.
"In addition to obligations under therapeutic goods legislation, businesses also have obligations under the Australian Consumer Law, including an obligation not to make false or misleading representations."
SkyNews.com.au has contacted the Cancer Council and Ultra Violette for further comment.
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