Skin care and cosmetics reviews, tests, information and buying guides

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Skin care and cosmetics

Bewildered and confused by the number of skin care and cosmetic products on the shelves? We take you through what you really need to know.

Trying to establish which skin care routine works best for you can be a costly – and often frustrating – exercise. The make-up, cosmetics and skin care sector spends up big to convince you that various products will make you look younger, feel firmer and do everything but make you breakfast in the morning! But is it all just clever marketing? Whether you're looking for an effective acne treatment or the best cruelty-free cosmetics, we help you wade through the waffle to find what works for you.

Review and compare

Sunscreen reviews Which sunscreens meet their SPF claims?

Buying guides

How to buy and use sunscreen What you need to know about sunscreen, plus tips to help you get the most effective UV protection.

How to buy the best hand sanitiser Everything you need to know to find the right hand sanitiser for your household.

How to buy cruelty-free cosmetics Our guide to animal testing, certification and how you can make a difference.

Articles

TGA acts following CHOICE sunscreen investigation The Therapeutic Goods Administration has raised concerns over 20 sunscreens sold in Australia.

Ultra Violette, Naked Sundays, Endota and other sunscreens removed from shelves Ultra Violette, Naked Sundays, Endota and other sunscreens recalled or paused from sale following CHOICE testing.

We tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed UPDATE: Ultra Violette removes Lean Screen from shelves; Naked Sundays pauses sale of Collagen Mineral sunscreen.

How we test sunscreen We stand by our rigorous, independent testing that reveals which sunscreens meet their SPF claims.

Can your sunscreen expire? Here's what you need to know to make sure your sunscreen will do its job properly, whether or not it's reached its expiry date.

8 common sunscreen myths debunked Most of us know that protecting ourselves from the sun is vital, but too many still fall for common myths about sun safety.

Illegal tanning nasal sprays pushed by social media influencers Experts are concerned that the dangerous ingestible tanning products are becoming increasingly popular.

Beauty and the beef: Why (and how) I started making my own tallow moisturiser Sick of shelling out for high-end skincare, I decided to go back to basics by making my own – the old fashioned way.

TikTok influencers pushing costly and inappropriate skincare for tweens Kids head to Sephora and Mecca for skincare, as experts warn against unsuitable and even dangerous products.

Natural and organic cosmetics Are you getting what you think you're paying for?

The messy truth about flushable wipes Wet wipes are wreaking havoc on Australia's plumbing and waterways, and the ACCC is taking action.

Fake tan product reviews We trial ten popular self-tanning lotions and mousses, ranging in price from $17 to $75.

Chemicals in cosmetics We look behind the scaremongering to see which cosmetic ingredients really are as bad as they say.

V.I.Poo review Will this pocket-sized personal hygiene product dethrone conventional air fresheners, or are its claims a little on the nose?

Tattoo removal If the price sounds too good to be true, chances are you're going to get burned.

The dangers of spray-on cosmetics Deodorants, sunscreen, fake tan and make-up may be safe on your skin, but are they safe in your lungs?

Eyelash extension safety Eyelash extensions promise luscious lashes that last for up to six weeks – but just how safe are they?

The Body Shop sells out on animal testing The truth about the company's operations in China.

BB cream reviews BB (beauty balm) cream is the hot new 'all-in-one' beauty product, but does it work?

Acne myths CHOICE gets real about what causes acne and how to treat it.

Banana Boat sunscreen recalled Do you have one of these in your cupboard?

How do I know if microbeads are in my products? Despite a voluntary industry phase-out, microbeads are still present in many cosmetic products.

Do collagen supplements work? Can you really improve your skin, hair, nails and joints simply by popping a pill or eating collagen-enriched foods?

Mosaic Brands cops $630,000 fine for false and misleading COVID claims ACCC action follows 2020 CHOICE investigations and product tests.

People power brings a big win on hand sanitiser labelling With the generous help of CHOICE supporters, our six-month effort to bring about positive change has a happy ending.

White Knight hand sanitiser recalled by ACCC CHOICE investigation: Our third test of hand sanitisers showed most had the required alcohol content, but one has now been recalled.

Latisse eyelash growth serum – does it work? Is the prescription-only growth serum safe and effective?

Do aerosol sunscreens provide effective sun protection? There are concerns that most people don't apply enough to achieve the stated SPF

Hand sanitiser labels need a clean up There's nothing to stop companies selling dodgy hand sanitiser in Australia – even during a pandemic

Face sunscreens and SPF moisturisers review Which sunscreens moisturise your skin and protect against sun damage without being sticky, heavy or oily?

Goats milk soap with no goats milk? Confusing labels on cosmetics Our readers tell us about the shampoos and other goos they've bought – only to find out later they may not be what they seem.

Are alcohol-free hand sanitisers effective against COVID-19? Experts agree – there's no conclusive evidence they are.

CHOICE investigation: Mosaic Brands sold mislabelled, ineffective hand sanitiser Lab test finds 23% alcohol in hand sanitiser bottle labelled 70%.

Hand sanitisers: a booming business Will all kinds of businesses flogging hand sanitisers, can consumers trust that the products are effective and fairly priced?

Homemade moisturiser, toothpaste, deodorant and more: Is it worth it? Recipes for DIY 'natural' cosmetics and toiletries abound online, but are they safe and will they save you money?

What you should know before making your own hand sanitiser Experts warn against DIY hand sanitiser recipes and reinforce the importance of handwashing with soap and water.

Dangers of DIY sunscreen Do homemade sunscreens based on natural ingredients actually work?

What you need to know about endocrine-disrupting chemicals These common chemicals have been linked to reproductive and other hormonal abnormalities.

How long should makeup and cosmetics last? Their shelf life may be shorter than you think.

Skincare for sensitive skin What does it mean when products are 'hypoallergenic' or 'dermatologically tested'?

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