Following CHOICE's investigation into sunscreens, which led to sunscreen company Ultra Violette pulling their Lean Screen product from shelves, the TGA has today announced concerns around the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens using the same base formulation as Lean Screen.
Quotes attributable to Ashley de Silva, CEO at CHOICE:
"It's highly concerning to see the TGA confirm that 20 sunscreens using the same base formula as Ultra Violette's Lean Screen are unlikely to meet their SPF claims, with preliminary testing showing the base formula itself is unlikely to have an SPF greater than 21 – with some products as low as SPF 4."
"If you're currently using one of the sunscreens that shares this base formula, the TGA is advising you to consider trying out a different product as we head into hotter months. If you've been burnt while using one of these products – or any sunscreen – consider reporting your experience to the TGA."
"The TGA also highlighted its concerns around the reliability of Princeton Consumer Research Corp (PCR), a test lab based in the UK. While the TGA investigation continues, we're calling on sunscreen companies to confirm which lab verified their latest SPF results. Given the questions surrounding PCR, consumers are looking to brands to provide reassurance their favourite sunscreen product is backed by strong testing practices."
"Today's announcement highlights, yet again, the importance of the TGA's investigation and the need for changes to how sunscreens are regulated and tested in Australia."
The 21 sunscreen products identified by the TGA as using the base formulation are:
- Aspect Sun SPF50+ Physical Sun Protection
- Aspect Sun SPF50+ Tinted Physical Sun Protection
- Aesthetics Rx Ultra Protection Sunscreen Cream
- New Day Skin Good Vibes Sunscreen SPF50+
- New Day Skin Happy Days Sunscreen SPF50+
- Allganics Light Sunscreen SPF50+
- Beauti-FLTR Lustre Mineral SPF50+
- Found My Skin SPF 50+ Tinted Face/Body Cream
- Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Light Sunscreen
- Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Tinted Facial Sunscreen (Dark)
- Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Tinted Facial Sunscreen (Light)
- Endota Mineral Protect SPF50 Sunscreen
- We are Feel Good Inc Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+
- GlindaWand The Fountain of Youth Environmental Defence Cream SPF50+
- Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50+
- Ultra Violette Velvet Screen SPF50 (product export only - not available in Australia)
- People4Ocean SPF 50+ Mineral Bioactive Shield Lightly Tinted Cream
- McoBeauty SPF50+ Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen
- Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Mineral Sunscreen
- Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Mineral Primer
- Salus SPF50+ Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
