UPDATE 26 September:
Two more brands have recalled sunscreens following CHOICE testing. The products that have been recalled are: Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF50+, Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF50+ and Aesthetic RX Ultra-Protection Sunscreen Cream SPF50+.
UPDATE 27 August:
More brands have paused the sale of their sunscreens while they undertake further additional independent re-testing of the formulations. These are: Outside Beauty & Skincare Mineral Primer SPF50+, Found My Skin SPF50+ Tinted Face/Body Cream, and Endota Mineral Protect SPF50 and Natural Clear Zinc SPF50+.
UPDATE 25 August:
Naked Sundays has temporarily paused the sale of one of its sunscreens, Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Mineral. “We’ve paused the mineral from sale in Australia out of precaution, while we await new, complete independent SPF results, and subsequent guidance from the TGA on their investigation into SPF testing,” they said in a statement.
Now, after an internal investigation, Ultra Violette has confirmed it is removing the Ultra Violette Lean Screen product from shelves.
“We had multiple, independent labs conduct new tests of Lean Screen,” Ultra Violette said in a statement.
“This week, we received results from those tests that demonstrated significant and, candidly, atypical variability. Across eight different tests, Lean Screen has now returned SPF data of 4, 10, 21, 26, 33, 60, 61, and 64. That wasn’t good enough for us, and it isn’t good enough for you.
“Given this pattern of inconsistency in testing, we have decided to withdraw Lean/Velvet Screen from the market, effective immediately. Purchases of this product will be eligible for a refund and a product voucher, regardless of where it was purchased.”
Rigorous testing by CHOICE found concerning results
The Ultra Violette failure was the most significant in CHOICE’s sunscreen testing.
Despite the rigorous testing we had already conducted on this sunscreen in March, we were so concerned by the results we decided to delay publishing and test another batch of the Ultra Violette sunscreen at a completely different specialised lab in Germany in May to confirm the results.
Those results came back with a reported SPF of 5, almost identical to our initial test.
Ultra Violette had initially suggested a mix-up was responsible for the SPF results, claiming the result was “scientifically impossible”. Later, in a video posted to its social media channels, Ultra Violette suggested issues with how the product was decanted were potentially to blame.
Ultra Violette had initially suggested a mix-up was responsible for the SPF results, claiming the result was ‘scientifically impossible’
CHOICE tested at a specialised Sydney-based lab, Eurofins Dermatest, using a 10-person panel, in accordance with the Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard. We retested at the Normec Schrader Institute, another accredited, specialised lab in Germany. CHOICE stands by its rigorous testing.
Ultra Violette initially claimed its Lean Screen product had an SPF of 64.3, based on results from testing performed at Princeton Consumer Research.
“We are deeply sorry that one of our products has fallen short of the standards we pride ourselves on and that you have come to expect of us,” said Ultra Violette. It also stated that additional testing “reinforced” its confidence in the rest of its sunscreen line.
It remains important to clarify: any sunscreen is always better than no sunscreen, but if consumers are being misled about the quality and longevity of their sunscreen protection, that represents a genuine health concern and a huge breach of consumer trust.
Without CHOICE’s investigation, Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen would still be on shelves, despite the fact that it does not provide anywhere near the amount of sun protection it claims to
Ashley de Silva, CHOICE CEO
“At CHOICE, our mission is to work for fair, safe, and just markets for Australian consumers,” says CHOICE CEO Ashley de Silva.
“When we released our
sunscreen test results earlier this year, we did so in the interest of the public. In a country where two in three people
will be diagnosed with skin cancer, people deserve to trust that the SPF ratings on sunscreen are accurate and
reliable.
“Today’s announcement from Ultra Violette confirms there is a clear problem with how sunscreen is regulated and
tested in Australia. Without CHOICE’s investigation, Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen would still be on shelves, despite
the fact that it does not provide anywhere near the amount of sun protection it claims to.
“CHOICE is calling on the TGA to urgently provide an update on its investigation. Ultra Violette’s product may not
be the only product that is affected and consumers deserve to know whether they can continue to trust SPF claims
in Australia.”
Mark Serrels is the Editorial director at CHOICE. Mark oversees content on a wide variety of topics and enjoys making complex subjects easy to understand.
Prior to CHOICE, Mark worked in technology and games journalism. He edited magazines and worked on sites such as Kotaku, Gizmodo and CNET.
Mark enjoys communicating the CHOICE mission to the broadest audience possible. He wants all Australians to be informed, entertained and above all, empowered as consumers.
Mark has a Master of Arts from the University of Stirling, Scotland. LinkedIn
Mark Serrels is the Editorial director at CHOICE. Mark oversees content on a wide variety of topics and enjoys making complex subjects easy to understand.
Prior to CHOICE, Mark worked in technology and games journalism. He edited magazines and worked on sites such as Kotaku, Gizmodo and CNET.
Mark enjoys communicating the CHOICE mission to the broadest audience possible. He wants all Australians to be informed, entertained and above all, empowered as consumers.
Mark has a Master of Arts from the University of Stirling, Scotland. LinkedIn
For more than 60 years, CHOICE has been fighting the good fight for Australian consumers.
In the past year alone we've uncovered systemic issues with sunscreens, investigated shonky supermarket pricing, fought for stronger scam protections and helped make complex energy pricing fairer and clearer.
CHOICE is here to provide unbiased advice and independent testing in our world-class labs. We buy the products we test, just like you do, and our expert reviews are influence free. We’re here to help you choose smarter. Hopefully you’ll also save some money along the way.
Thanks to CHOICE, you’ll never be alone when a business treats you unfairly. You can support our work by joining or donating to our cause.
