If you’re like most Australians, you know that sunscreen is as essential as a hat and sunnies when you step outside.
With our harsh sun and high rates of skin cancer, we’ve been taught from childhood to slip, slop, slap—and trust that the bottle we’re slopping on is doing its job. But what if that trust is misplaced?
A recent investigation by CHOICE, Australia’s leading consumer advocacy group, has sent shockwaves through the country: 16 out of 20 popular sunscreens tested failed to live up to their SPF claims.
That’s right—most of the products we rely on for protection may not be shielding us as much as we think.
What did CHOICE find?
CHOICE’s rigorous testing involved applying each sunscreen according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then measuring the actual sun protection factor (SPF) provided.
The results were, frankly, alarming. Only four out of the 20 sunscreens tested delivered the level of protection promised on their labels. The rest fell short—some by a significant margin.
This isn’t just a minor technicality. SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the kind that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.
If a sunscreen claims to be SPF 50 but only delivers SPF 20, you’re getting far less protection than you bargained for.
Why does this matter?
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.
Sunscreen is a frontline defence, especially for those of us who love the outdoors or have fair skin that burns easily.
When sunscreens don’t live up to their claims, it puts all of us at risk—especially older Australians, who may already have accumulated sun damage over the years.
What’s going wrong?
There are a few reasons why sunscreens might not meet their labelled SPF:
Formulation issues: Some products may not contain enough active ingredients, or the ingredients may not be stable in the formula.
Application instructions: If the directions aren’t clear or realistic, people may not apply enough product to get the advertised protection.
Testing discrepancies: Some manufacturers may rely on overseas testing standards, which can differ from Australian requirements.
How can you protect yourself?
Check for TGA approval: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates sunscreens in Australia. Look for an AUST L or AUST R number on the packaging.
Apply generously and often: Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. The Cancer Council recommends at least one teaspoon per limb, front and back of the body, and face/neck/ears—about seven teaspoons for a full adult body.
Reapply regularly: Every two hours, or after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Don’t rely on sunscreen alone: Wear protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak UV times.
Which sunscreens passed the test?
While CHOICE’s full list is available to subscribers, they did reveal that only a handful of products met their claims.
If you want to know if your favourite made the cut, it’s worth checking their website or looking for recent media coverage.
What should you do if your sunscreen failed?
If you discover your regular sunscreen didn’t pass the test, don’t panic—but do consider switching to one that did.
And remember, no sunscreen offers 100 per cent protection, so combining it with other sun-safe behaviours is always best.
The bottom line
This CHOICE investigation is a wake-up call for all of us. It’s a reminder to be vigilant about the products we trust with our health, and to keep up with the latest consumer information. After all, our skin is with us for life.
Have you ever had a sunscreen let you down? Do you have a favourite brand you swear by, or tips for staying sun safe? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—let’s help each other stay protected under the Australian sun!
Also read: Sunscreen prices set to rise as ATO enforces new GST rules
