Australia pulls dozens of sunscreen brands from shelves as SPF scandal deepens
More sun creams removed from sale over inaccurate SPF claims
- Australian regulators have confirmed the withdrawal of nearly 20 sunscreen brands after tests showed they failed to meet their advertised SPF protection levels.
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) raised "significant concerns" about a common base formula from Wild Child Laboratories, with some products claiming SPF50+ offering as little as SPF4.
- The issue first emerged in June when consumer group Choice found many popular sunscreens, including major brands, did not provide their claimed protection.
- The TGA is scrutinising the testing methodology of US-based Princeton Consumer Research Corp (PCR Corp), which numerous manufacturers had relied on for their SPF claims.
- Amid Australia's high skin cancer rates, the TGA has advised consumers to consider alternative products and is reviewing SPF testing protocols, with potential global repercussions.