Sunscreen is one of those daily essentials many of us apply without much thought — until headlines start talking about “failing” products and you begin to wonder whether the sunscreen in your bathroom cabinet is actually doing its job. Recent independent testing by Choice (a consumer advocacy group) has shown that some well‑known sunscreens deliver much less SPF than they claim. That’s an issue worth paying attention to, especially in Australia where UV radiation is high and skin cancer rates are some of the highest in the world. Let’s explore what SPF really measures, why test results sometimes fall short of expectations, how regulators respond, and how to choose and use a reliable sunscreen (including why transparency and published testing — such as lab reports showing a product reaches SPF50 — matter).
What SPF actually tells you
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it’s a laboratory measurement of protection from UVB rays — the wavelength band most responsible for sunburn and a major contributor to melanoma and other skin cancers. In controlled lab conditions, SPF is calculated by measuring the amount of UVB it takes to produce minimal redness on protected skin versus unprotected skin. The number on the bottle is not a measure of how long you can stay in the sun without burning; it’s a standardised result based on a specific test method and a precise application thickness of 2 mg per cm².
Most people apply far less sunscreen than the lab standard. If you apply sunscreen thinly, rub it off with clothing, swim without reapplying, or leave it sitting in a hot car letting its formulation degrade, your real‑world protection will be lower than the labelled SPF. Another important point is that SPF primarily refers to UVB protection. UVA rays (which penetrate more deeply into the skin and contribute to premature ageing along with cancer) require separate testing and are referred to as “broad‑spectrum” products. For complete protection you want a sunscreen that offers reliable UVB screening (the SPF number) and verified UVA coverage as well.
Why recent independent testing has raised alarms
Consumer groups and independent labs occasionally purchase sunscreens from store shelves and test them to see if the SPF printed on the label matches the measured value. These off‑shelf tests are valuable because they reflect what the average consumer is buying. In some recent tests done by Choice, a number of popular sunscreens measured well below their labelled SPF. The implications are clear: a person relying on the labelled SPF for protection may be underprotected and at greater risk of burning and long‑term skin damage.
There are several reasons a product might underperform. One is manufacturing or batch variability — the formulation in one production run can differ slightly from another. Another is stability: some active ingredients can degrade over time, especially if a product is stored in hot or humid conditions. Packaging and supply chain factors also matter; prolonged exposure to heat in transport or on shop shelves can affect potency. Transparency and testing practices differ between brands. Some manufacturers routinely perform batch testing and publish their results or lab certificates, while others rely on internal testing without public disclosure. Independent testing helps hold the market accountable by revealing when claims aren’t consistently met.
What regulators do: the role of the TGA
In Australia, sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which treats sunscreens as therapeutic goods because they make health claims about preventing sunburn and reducing skin damage. The TGA establishes standards for SPF measurement, labelling and advertising, and conducts surveillance testing to check that products on the market meet their claims. When a product is found to underperform, the TGA can require corrective actions such as label changes, recalls, or further testing. When it comes to SPF, the TGA publishes consumer guidance that explains the limitations of SPF testing (notably the difference between laboratory conditions and real‑world use) and advises consumers on how to choose and use sunscreens effectively.
Knowing the regulator is actively enforcing standards provides an important safety net, but it doesn’t remove the need for consumer vigilance. The TGA’s work helps ensure that manufacturers meet minimum standards, but it’s reasonable for shoppers to prefer brands that go beyond compliance by publishing independent lab reports, showing batch testing results, and clearly communicating testing methodologies.
How formulation type affects performance and preferences
Sunscreens are commonly described as either mineral (physical) or chemical. Mineral sunscreens use particles such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to scatter and reflect UV radiation; they often provide broad‑spectrum protection by their nature and are typically less irritating for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb UV and convert it to heat. Both approaches can produce very high SPF values when properly formulated. However, mineral sunscreens like our SPF50 are often much more clean in formulation. Our SPF50 is vegan, organic and contains no toxic ingredients meaning all the protection without the nasty chemicals.
For consumers, the choice often comes down to skin type, texture preferences and environmental concerns. People with sensitive skin, or those who prefer formulations that avoid certain chemical filters, frequently choose mineral sunscreens. Environmental considerations have led many customers to avoid filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are implicated in coral and marine organism harm. It’s important to note that “reef safe” is not a regulated term, the best way to assess environmental impact is to check the ingredient list and seek products that avoid the known problematic filters.
Transparency: why published testing matters
When brands publish independent laboratory reports showing their product meets its SPF claim, they give customers something to rely on beyond marketing language. A public test report demonstrating an SPF50+ result offers reassurance that the product reached that level of protection under accredited lab conditions. Beyond single test results, brands that reveal batch testing procedures, stability studies, and expiry information provide a clearer picture of quality control. This transparency can be a deciding factor when choosing between similar products, it shows the company is accountable and confident in its manufacturing and quality systems.
Our SPF50 mineral sunscreen is an example of a product that has been thoroughly tested, demonstrating the SPF50 claim. Although products that share their testing results are easier to trust, published testing does not negate the need for correct use. Even a well‑tested SPF50 product will not protect you if applied too sparingly or left off during repeated sun exposure. We have received countless reviews praising the coverage and longevity of our SPF50, combine that with the recent double testing of our formula, and you have a tried and trusted product.
How to apply sunscreen so it actually works
Most people don’t realise how much sunscreen they should be using. The laboratory standard of 2 mg per cm² translates into more product than most of us apply onto our skin. For the face and neck, a full teaspoon is a reasonable guideline. To cover the whole body you need roughly 35 mL (about a shot glass) per application. It’s sensible to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow chemical filters to bind properly whereas mineral sunscreens can be applied immediately, but both benefit from a brief settling time.
Reapplication is non‑negotiable: sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and immediately after swimming, heavy sweating or towel drying. Don’t forget the ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet, eyelids and lips — those are common missed spots. When wearing makeup, use sunscreen underneath foundation or choose a dedicated SPF lip balm and ideally a makeup product that offers additional protection only as a supplement, not a substitute for a properly applied sunscreen.
Choosing a sunscreen you can trust
Selecting a sunscreen means balancing protection, feel, ingredients, and trust. Start by choosing products that are broad‑spectrum and at least SPF30 for daily activities, SPF50 or SPF50+ is the wise choice for intense UV exposure or long outdoor periods. Choose brands that show evidence of regulatory compliance and testing transparency. Look for clear labelling including batch numbers and expiry dates, and check ingredient lists if you have sensitivities or environmental concerns.
Where possible, favour products with published third‑party or independent testing. A product with an authenticated lab report showing it achieves SPF50 provides stronger assurance than one that makes the same claim without evidence. Buying from reputable retailers or directly from the brand reduces the risk of counterfeit or degraded stock. Finally, consider water resistance ratings if you’ll be swimming or sweating: those products specify the minutes of water exposure they’re tested to withstand — typically 40 or 80 minutes — which helps you plan reapplication. Our SPF50 is 40 minute water resistant so make sure to reapply once you have left the water and dried off to ensure you have adequate, lasting protection.
What to do if you suspect a sunscreen underperforms
If your sunscreen seems ineffective, stop using it and switch to a verified alternative. Save the packaging, note the batch number and purchase information, and report the issue to the TGA. TGA and other regulators can investigate and, if warranted, require recalls or corrections. Independent testing by consumer groups, like Choice, also helps identify problematic products and make reports of problems which helps protect other users.
Setting realistic expectations about SPF numbers
SPF is not a linear measure where double the number equals double the protection. SPF30 blocks around 97% of UVB, SPF50 about 98% and SPF100 about 99%. The jump between 30 and 50 is meaningful for higher risk situations, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV radiation. This is why sunscreen should be part of a wider sun safety approach: shade, protective clothing, hats and sunglasses remain essential.
Balancing personal care and environmental responsibility
More shoppers are thinking about the environmental footprint of their sun protection. If avoiding certain chemical filters is a priority, look for mineral formulations and check ingredient lists to avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful for our skin too. “Reef safe” is actually a marketing term without formal regulation so the most reliable way to make an informed choice is to review the full ingredient list and any environmental claims critically.
Putting it all together: practical guidance
Sunscreen will only protect you if it’s a reliable product and you use it properly. Choose a broad‑spectrum sunscreen of SPF30–50+ based on your exposure, look for brands that publish lab testing or have demonstrated regulatory compliance, apply a generous amount and reapply frequently, and pair sunscreen with shade, UPF clothing, hats and sunglasses. For people who prefer mineral options, products with published SPF50 testing offer solid reassurance that the labelled protection has been validated.
Recent off‑shelf testing shows the market isn’t perfect, with popular sunscreens measuring below their claimed SPF, and that should prompt consumers to be more discerning. Regulatory oversight by the TGA helps protect public health, but individual choices matter too: buy from reputable sources, check for transparency, and use sunscreen as directed.