Australia's sunscreen regulator has proposed sweeping reforms to the industry following a recent scandal that resulted in dozens of popular brands being pulled off shelves.
An experiment by a trusted consumer advocacy group last year found many Australian sunscreens were not providing the protection they claimed to, leading to public outrage in a country known for its high skin cancer rates.
An investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation raised allegations against a leading laboratory engaged in sunscreen testing and a manufacturer producing a commonly used base formula.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is now looking to simplify sunscreen labeling and increase oversight of testing laboratories.
Andy Kelly from Choice, the group that authored the pivotal report, stated that proposals to enhance testing requirements and ensure laboratory accreditation and transparency are essential to restoring consumer trust in sunscreen effectiveness.
Australia sees around 2,000 deaths from skin cancer and melanoma each year, with two out of three Australians expected to have at least one skin cancer removed in their lifetime.
Sunscreens in Australia are classified as medicines and are monitored post-market, rather than undergoing prior verification by regulators.
Despite having stringent sunscreen regulations, the TGA has recognized the need for reforms to improve the reliability and transparency of SPF testing, emphasizing particular attention to cosmetic sunscreens claiming high levels of sun protection.
One proposed change suggests replacing the current SPF number ratings with labels categorized as low, medium, high, and very high, although safety assessments of sunscreen ingredients and products aimed at children will not be part of the review.
A report by Choice identified that 16 of the 20 sunscreens tested last June failed to meet their advertised SPF ratings, prompting an evaluation of efficacy standards.
In particular, a product from Ultra Violette that claimed an SPF of 50+ was found to have an actual SPF of just four, leading to a voluntary recall.
Amid the controversy, the TGA expressed significant concerns over SPF testing for many products with shared formulations, yet Kelly from Choice stated that removing SPF ratings wasn't a viable solution, emphasizing the importance of accurate numbers.
Experts have previously indicated that sunscreen testing methods may reflect marketing strategies more than actual efficacy, leading to misrepresentations in the market.
The proposed legislative overhaul comes as a crucial step toward prioritizing public health and restoring confidence in sunscreen products essential for protecting Australians from harsh UV exposure.
