Recently, Australia’s sunscreen industry has been hit by a widening SPF scandal, with regulators issuing an urgent recall of two products over fears they fail to deliver the sun protection claimed on their labels.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recalled Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ and Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF50+ after preliminary testing suggested their SPF ratings were significantly lower than advertised. Consumers are being urged to return the affected products for a refund.
The move follows a damning investigation by consumer watchdog Choice, which earlier this year revealed that 16 of 20 sunscreen brands tested did not meet their labelled SPF. Among them was Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF50+, which tested at a shockingly low SPF 4. Ultra Violette subsequently withdrew the product and offered refunds, citing inconsistencies in test results from its third-party manufacturer.
Aspect Skincare, owned by Advanced Skin Technology, had already voluntarily paused sales of the recalled products in August as a precaution while commissioning independent testing. In a statement, the brand said that while testing is not yet complete, preliminary findings left them “not satisfied with these outcomes” and committed to act immediately in the interest of consumer safety. Other Aspect Sun products remain unaffected.
The controversy has raised questions about SPF testing standards and oversight. The TGA confirmed it is investigating industry-wide testing practices and warned that further products could face recalls in the coming weeks.
