Regulatory Reforms Proposed After Sunscreen Scandal
Australia's sunscreen regulator has proposed comprehensive reforms to the sunscreen industry following a recent scandal that resulted in the removal of numerous popular brands from store shelves.
Last year, a trusted consumer advocacy group conducted an experiment revealing that many Australian sunscreens did not provide the protection levels they claimed. This discovery sparked public outrage in Australia, a country known for its high incidence of skin cancer.
An investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation further uncovered issues involving a leading laboratory responsible for testing sunscreen efficacy and a manufacturer producing a commonly used base formula.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has now announced plans to simplify sunscreen labelling and enhance oversight of testing laboratories.
"Proposals to improve and expand testing requirements, require accreditation for testing laboratories, and increase transparency will help restore consumer trust in the reliability of SPF claims," said Andy Kelly from Choice, the group that authored the report central to the controversy.
"It's vital that consumers can rely on SPF claims when purchasing products to protect their skin from the harsh Australian sun."
Skin Cancer Statistics Highlight Urgency
Approximately 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer and melanoma annually, while an estimated two out of three Australians will have at least one skin cancer removed during their lifetime.
In Australia, sunscreens are classified as medicines and are monitored post-market rather than being assessed by regulators prior to sale.
Despite Australia having some of the strictest sunscreen regulations globally, the TGA stated that the current moment is appropriate for a regulatory overhaul.
Focus Areas for Proposed Changes
The proposed reforms will concentrate on enhancing the reliability and transparency of sun protection factor (SPF) testing, as well as improving the quality and efficacy of certain ingredients and formulas. Special attention will be given to cosmetic sunscreens that claim high sun protection.
Additionally, labelling will be reviewed with a proposal to replace the SPF number ratings on products with categories such as low, medium, high, and very high protection.
The review will not include the safety of sunscreen ingredients nor products specifically designed for children.
Background of the Scandal
The overhaul follows a Choice report published last June, which found that 16 out of 20 sunscreens tested—including several premium and expensive brands—failed to meet their advertised SPF ratings.
In one notable case, a product by Ultra Violette claimed an SPF rating of 50+, but testing revealed an actual SPF of four, prompting a voluntary recall of the product.
The TGA's own investigation identified "significant concerns" regarding SPF testing for nearly two dozen products sharing the same base formula as Ultra Violette's Lean Screen, indicating these products may not provide the protection levels stated on their labels.
Industry and Expert Perspectives
However, Andy Kelly from Choice expressed opposition to the removal of SPF number ratings.
"People are already familiar with the current SPF numbering system and it's used around the world. The numbers just need to be accurate."
Experts have previously raised concerns about variability in sunscreen products and testing methods, noting that the current rating system does not account for such variability.
Cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong told the BBC last year,
"Some of the SPF testing, I feel, has become a bit more of a marketing exercise than a real reflection of efficacy."
She also noted,
"95% of the sunscreens tested [by Choice] have high enough SPF to more than halve the incidence of skin cancer."
