In June this year, CHOICE released results revealing that 16 out of 20 sunscreens we tested failed to meet their SPF claims. In that test, one product – the Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen – returned an SPF of 4.
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."
You can find out more about seeking a refund here.
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, CHOICE's experts were so concerned by the results that 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.
Ultra Violette: "Deeply sorry"
"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."
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