ABC News
18 Sunscreens pulled from shelves over concerns about sun protection claims
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recalled, paused, or is reviewing 21 sunscreen products that use the same base formula. The agency flagged serious doubts about how reliably those sunscreens can deliver their SPF protection claims.
The TGA says it has requested data from the overseas lab PCA (Princeton Consumer Research) used by many brands. However, it has not yet received a response. In addition, ten more sunscreen lines have been removed or paused due to questions about their sun protection effectiveness.
Preliminary testing suggests the base formula may offer an SPF of no more than 21. In some cases, it might be as low as SPF 4. That’s significantly below the levels expected by consumers.
These developments raise concerns about public health and consumer trust. Consumers expect sunscreen to reliably provide sun protection, especially on hot, sunny days. The TGA’s action underscores how important accurate SPF testing is for safety.
Going forward, sunscreen users should check product recalls and updates regularly. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapply often, and use additional sun-protection strategies—like shade, clothing, and hats—to reduce UV exposure.
Stay informed via official TGA bulletins and trusted health authorities. Don’t rely solely on product labels when SPF integrity is in question.
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