This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Consumer Group Choice 'Concerned' About Sunscreen SPF Claims

Sunscreens 'Failing' To Live Up to SPF 50+ Claims
Young woman putting cream on face, smiling, portrait
Pando Hall via Getty Images
Young woman putting cream on face, smiling, portrait

A number of popular sunscreens are failing to deliver on their SPF 50+ claims, an investigation by consumer group Choice has found.

Choice tested six SPF 50+ sunscreens, finding most didn't "live up to their SPF claims."

"Only two met the label claim of 50+ (and) of those that didn't meet their claims, three offered at least high SPF protection, with a rating of SPF 30 or higher," Choice said in its report, released on Saturday.

The four sunscreens that failed tests were Banana Boat Baby spray and Banana Boat Sport tube, Ombra Kids roll-on, and the Ego Sunsense Sport, which only provided SPF 29.

The two products that passed Choice's test were the Cancer Council's Classic and Nivea Sun Kids.

The consumer group said it was concerned about the test results.

"While manufacturers may be satisfied that their products meet SPF label claims if their chosen lab says so, we disagree. We think the products should meet the claims at any test lab at any time -- including after they've hit the shop shelves," Choice said.

"To ensure compliance, and to check that transport and storage conditions don't affect a product's SPF over time, we'd like to see our regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), play a greater hands-on role in testing sunscreens."

Ego Pharmaceuticals backed the company's Sunsense Sport sunscreen, telling Fairfax Media it had official certification to support its SPF claim.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.