SPF testing of Cancer Council sunscreens
Cancer Council’s response to SPF testing
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) decision to recall sunscreens demonstrates strong and robust sunscreen regulation, vital for maintaining consumer trust and confidence in sunscreens.
Variability in SPF test results for sunscreens is not uncommon. But when inconsistencies occur that indicate a product may provide inadequate levels of sun protection, it’s important the TGA takes swift action.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world and there is clear evidence demonstrating regular sunscreen use prevents skin cancer, therefore its continued use is strongly encouraged. However, no sunscreen provides 100% protection. That’s why Cancer Council reminds everyone to use all five forms of sun protection whenever UV levels are three or above: Slip on clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.
Cancer Council supports the TGA's advice regarding selecting laboratories for SPF testing. Cancer Council has instructed the sponsor not to use Princeton Consumer Research (PCR) for any future Cancer Council sunscreen testing. Moving forward, all Cancer Council products will require two SPF test reports conducted by separate laboratories.
All Cancer Council products named in the CHOICE report were retested, and these test results have been provided to the TGA. Based on those results, the regulator confirmed there is no safety concern with our sunscreens and no reason to withdraw any products at this time.
While Cancer Council always recommends choosing the highest possible SPF, it is important to understand that the difference between SPF ratings is often misunderstood. When applied correctly, SPF 20 filters about 95% of UVB rays, allowing 5% to penetrate, compared with SPF 50, which filters 98% allowing 2% of UVB to get through. What matters most is choosing a sunscreen you will use regularly and applying it correctly.
Which products are affected?
CHOICE tested four Cancer Council sunscreens:
- Everyday Value Sunscreen SPF50 110ml
- Kids Clear Zinc SPF50+ 110ml
- Ultra Sunscreen SPF50+ 250ml
- Kids Sunscreen SPF50+ 110ml
According to CHOICE, the first three of these products did not meet their labelled SPF in its own testing.
All Cancer Council products named in the CHOICE report were retested, and these test results have been provided to the TGA. Based on those results, the regulator has confirmed there is no safety concern with our sunscreens and no reason to withdraw any products at this time.
How is Cancer Council responding to the CHOICE results?
CHOICE’s findings have raised questions about the accuracy of SPF test results, and we are conducting a thorough investigation as a result.
This includes submitting the four Cancer Council sunscreens named by CHOICE for further testing. These test results have been provided to the TGA. Based on those results, the regulator has confirmed there is no safety concern with our sunscreens and no reason to withdraw any products at this time. We will continue to follow the regulator’s direction and respond promptly to any future requests.
Are these products tested by CHOICE that haven’t been recalled still safe to use?
These sunscreens are safe to use and still offer significant protection when applied properly - even if the SPF is found to be lower than what's stated on the label. An SPF of 20 or more still blocks at least 95% of UVB rays.
No sunscreen offers 100% protection, so we always recommend using sunscreen as one of five forms of sun protection: slip on a sun protective clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
If determined that these products do not meet their labelled SPF, we will take all necessary steps to uphold confidence in SPF testing and in sunscreens more broadly.
Looking for more information?
You can contact info@cancer.org.au if you have further questions, including about refunds.
Last updated: 10 October 2025
Learn more about how sunscreens are tested and regulated.