Sunscreen SPF Testing – Information for Consumers
16 Sep 2025
This update explains what SPF means, how sunscreens are regulated in Australia, and what action is being taken.
What CHOICE found
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CHOICE tested 20 sunscreens labelled SPF 50+.
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16 did not meet their claimed rating.
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1 tested at SPF 4 (Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50+).
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7 tested above SPF 20.
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8 tested above SPF 30.
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What the TGA is doing
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Sunscreens must be truthfully labelled under Australian law.
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We are investigating the products listed in the CHOICE report, as well as whether similar issues may affect other sunscreens on the market.
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This involves reviewing evidence from sponsors (the companies that supply sunscreens in Australia) and assessing inconsistencies between CHOICE’s results and sponsors’ own testing.
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Sponsors may also take voluntary action, such as recalls, while investigations are underway.
Actions taken so far
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In consultation with the TGA, Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50+ (tested at SPF 4) has been recalled and removed from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
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We are reviewing other sunscreens with similar formulas to decide if further action is required. Updates will be published on the TGA website.
What the SPF number means in practice
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SPF tells you how much longer it will take to burn with sunscreen compared to no sunscreen.
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No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, which is why the word “sunblock” cannot be used.
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When applied correctly:
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SPF 20 filters ~95% of UVB rays.
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SPF 30 filters ~97%.
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SPF 50 filters ~98%.
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The difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is small, but both offer significant protection compared to no sunscreen.
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Sunscreen should always be used as directed and combined with other sun safety measures: shade, hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
If you use sunscreen as directed and still experience sunburn or another reaction, you should report this to the TGA.
How sunscreens are regulated in Australia
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Sunscreens with UV protection as their main purpose are regulated as therapeutic goods by the TGA.
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This means products must meet strict requirements for quality, safety, and labelling.
Why SPF testing is challenging
SPF testing follows an international standard (ISO 24444:2019), which uses human volunteers. This method has known issues, including:
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Different responses between individuals with the same skin type.
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Variation in how sunscreen is applied by technicians.
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Differences in how redness of the skin is judged.
Testing by TGA laboratories
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The TGA conducts some testing in-house, such as broad spectrum performance testing to ensure sunscreens also protect against UVA rays (which cause long-term skin damage and can lead to cancer).
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The TGA does not perform human SPF testing, but we are exploring the use of in vitro (non-human) test methods, which are more consistent, efficient, and could be applied during routine manufacturing checks.
If you experience an adverse event from sunscreen
If you suffer sunburn, skin irritation, or another adverse reaction while using sunscreen correctly, please report it via the TGA website so we can investigate.
Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Sunscreen SPF Testing – Information for Consumers, September 2025
