Sunscreen Labels Could Change as TGA Reviews SPF System
16 Apr 2026
In March, the TGA released a proposal to improve sunscreen rules, including whether the current SPF system should be simplified or replaced.
This follows concerns raised after investigations by consumer group CHOICE and the ABC found that some sunscreens did not provide the SPF protection they claimed. Some products were even recalled, which reduced public trust.
Since then, many Australians have been unsure about which sunscreens are reliable and how SPF testing actually works.
The TGA is now considering three main options for labelling:
The first option is to keep the current SPF system, which uses numbers like SPF 30 and SPF 50. This system is already widely used and understood, but it does not fix problems with testing accuracy and transparency.
The second option is to keep SPF numbers but add more information, such as explaining how much UV protection each product provides. While this could improve understanding, labels may become too crowded and still confusing for some people.
The third option is to remove SPF numbers completely and replace them with simple words like “low,” “medium,” “high,” and “very high.” The TGA says this could make sunscreen easier to understand, especially for people who find health information difficult to read. However, it would require big changes to packaging and laws, and could still confuse some users.
The TGA also warned that changing the system would require public education so people understand what the new labels mean.
Consumer group CHOICE has said it does not support removing SPF numbers, but it does support better testing rules and more transparency in how sunscreens are checked.
Experts also say there are challenges with how sunscreens are made. For example, mineral sunscreens often cannot reach the highest protection category because they need very high ingredient levels, which can affect how the product feels and works.
Chemical sunscreens are more likely to meet “very high” protection levels, but some experts say they should still be used carefully and correctly.
Overall, the TGA says the goal is to make sunscreen labels clearer and more reliable so Australians can better protect themselves from the sun.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: The Conversation / newsGP